Alliums are a really good group of bulbs to plant in the garden. I have a few, though I'd like more. I thought I'd share some today. The above allium is a really cool one. My friends Phil and Judie gave me these bulbs last fall. This allium is Allium siculum bulgaricum, aka Bulgaricum alliums. A very beautiful and lovely allium. It is quite tall (nearly 36 inches), and the umbels hang down quite a bit. It can easily share the spotlight with early flowering bulbs. I have mine planted near 'May Night' salvia and it looks lovely. All alliums need EXCELLENT drainage. I can't stress this enough. The more sun the better too.
Here we have 'Globemaster' alliums. These have been a mainstay in my garden for more than five years now. They make a real show in the spring. Not only do they look great in bloom, but the spent heads persist in the garden and dry right on the stems. Come June, I'll simply twist or cut them out and place in a vase inside the house. Here they share the spotlight with irises and 'Vanhoutte' spirea; which had gone by when I took this picture. 
Here I am trying to show you just how big the heads can get. The first picture is an early picture, I took this one a few weeks later. I order mine from Netherland Bulb Company. They are reasonably priced, and they send only top notch bulbs that are sure to please all gardeners. I've been MOST impressed by this cultivar and Netherland's good service. At one time I did try 'Gladiator' but it puttered out without ever blooming. Globemasters are tough and do great even in my not so full sun garden.
This allium is a fairly new allium to Tiger Gardens. It is Allium karataviense 'Ivory Queen'. When this little allium began growing a few months ago, I thought it was a tulip. So thick and healthy is the foliage that I fell in love with it. I actually did not know what it was until this little bud began forming.
Here it is in full bloom. I have it paired with another allium. I am not sure of this cultivar but do know it is an allium. These two alliums are in a cement container out front. They grow only about 6" tall and look wonderful together.I have some drumstick alliums coming on strong too. I'll post on them later, but for now wanted to share these few early alliums....
in the garden....
Hi Tina, good to know about the globemaster as opposed to the others. I have had mixed results with the bulb. you show at the top. They seem to only do well every other year for me. But Ivory Queen gets my vote. It will have to go on the list! :-)
ReplyDeleteFrances
Tina, I want more of these lovelies! I planted a couple of dozen sensation that I picked up at a half price sale, but there aren't enough. Or enough of the larger ones! I can't believe how long some have lasted....Do they seed if you leave the seed heads on for a long time? Gail
ReplyDeleteThey are beauties! I don't see them much here..maybe it's not cold enough in the winter. Thanks for sharing yours with me! :)
ReplyDeleteI've had the drumstick, although I must say my was small but beautiful just the same.
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing an awful lot about Alliums lately. I'm going to take it as sign that Jamie and I need to check into getting some of them for the garden. :-)Those Globemasters are something else!--Randy
ReplyDeleteVery nice Tina! Do they spread from seed well? I picked up one, although I have no clue what kind, from the plant swap. I'll put it in the bird bath garden most likely.
ReplyDeleteMorning Tina. I'm growing Karataviense this year. Just got some photos last eventing to post. The foliage is really nice, those broad leaves are pretty even without the blooms. I wonder if they will reseed like Sensation.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
Well that just explained my failure with Alliums! Will try again as I think they are lovely plants and yours are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYour allium are beautiful! I love them but something either eats them in my garden or I kill them. Not sure which. Maybe I will try them again someday, yours are so nice.
ReplyDeleteGood morning all!
ReplyDeleteFrances, I hope the merrybells come back next year but thanks so much for the info. Yes, 'Globemaster' is by far the best big allium. Beats 'Gladiator' any day. Haven't tried your 'Sensation' I think it is? But I promise you the Globemaster is reliable-even in part shade. Just needs great drainage. I learned the hard way.
Gail, I've not had the Globemaster seed. But I initially planted 9 bulbs, now I have 10 flowers so maybe offsets? I hope so! Just remember good drainage.
Linda, There should be alliums to grow there in Texas, but maybe not. Have you ever seen the drumstick ones? I find these excellent-like lots of sun and heat.
Dawn, Oh yes, I like the drumstick ones. I have tons of blooms right now. The color sure catches your eye too.
Randy, Alliums are an excellent genus-so versatile and fun. I can see some in your lovely garden easy.
Dave, No spreading around by seed here as yet. Not sure on the 'Ivory Queen' but I bet not. It is a lovely kind in a pot out front.
Marnie, That foliage is one of the best things with that karativiense for sure! I thought it tulip foliage initially. Never seen an allium like this. I hope they self seed. Looking forward to seeing yours!
Darla, yes, you for sure need good drainage. They will simply rot if left in soggy areas over winter. It's a real bummer. Give em another try.
Heather, Alliums are most picky on drainage. They cannot remain wet in the winter. A raised bed with gravel in it for sharp drainage would work well. I was heartsick one year I lost most of my 'Globemaster'. I've since learned though.
Everyone have a great day!
I've always thought they were beautiful but have never gotten any. Maybe critters and bulbs around here? Maybe I'll buy a bunch of pots and do bulbs that way.
ReplyDeleteTina I have a question - you mentioned the birds would love my crabapple tree in the winter more than they would a cherry - why is that if you don't mind my asking here. Isn't a tree a tree a tree with no leaves in the winter?
Last fall I was all about planting more tulips and some different varieties of daffodils. This fall alliums are definitely going on my list! They certainly add a dramatic effect, and I like the idea of some height at this time of year. Thanks for the recommendations, Tina.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, The crabapples fruit (most) usually persist into the winter and spring on the crabapple trees. I have three here and the crabapples stay on long after the leaves are gone, these fruits remain until late spring of the next year. The birds love them. One of the three is particularly loved by the birds. It just happens to be the one outside of my office window. Mockingbirds, cardinals, finches, all chow down in that tree all the way until the next spring. So hope for a delicious fruit and enjoy those birds eating those crabapples all winter and into the spring. I don't know if cherries do this since I don't grow cherries, but crabapples for sure. The leftover fruits provide a very important food source for birds and wildlife.
ReplyDeleteHi Rose, Yes, these do add height and intermingle perfectly. The big alliums don't bloom while there is foliage, but you can see the Ivory Queen still has foliage. Look for alliums in big box stores, I doubt you'll find 'Globemaster' there, but you never know. The others for sure. Have a great day all-gotta get to work myself!
ReplyDeleteAlliums are my favorite bulbs for the garden. I've been trying to add some new ones to my garden every season too. I really need to get that Globemaster, it is fabulous! Your Allium Bulgaricum is interesting too, I like the loose look of the blossom heads & that touch of rose is pretty. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a cool plant for me as we have too much of sun here and I guess these beauties would do awesome here! I love their globish-shaped bunches!
ReplyDeleteAlliums are always so pretty but yours are awesome.
ReplyDeleteI will now add my 2 cents about the crabapple.cherry trees for the birds. The cherries will not be there in the winter as the birds will strip in a couple of hours just before you get them if you do not keep a very careful watch on them. My parents had cherry trees and I know from that.
Hi Tina! Alliums take my breath away. You have such a good collection of them, and the size of the heads... wow!
ReplyDeleteAlliums are indded really cool. I love watching their buds develop. So cool-looking!
ReplyDeleteI love them! They look so pretty with the salvia and iris. I really need to add some to my garden, I think I might try globemaster.
ReplyDeleteHi Tina, I've admired these for some time now. I like the large ball shape flowers. Of course I would have to put them in a pot so they would drain good {like now while we are having a rain problem}. I know it looks gross to have pots sitting everywhere but for me here it's the only way I know to keep my plants from drowning at times like these. I hope I don't loose my iris.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info on these lovely plants.
That is one of the plants on my list to buy! I love them!!
ReplyDeleteQuick tip: I don't know about elsewhere in the world, but in England, if you prepare a sunny bed with plenty of sand in it, chives are a doddle to grow. They flower prolifically and are covered with bees, and very popular with butterflies too.
ReplyDeleteI so wanted alliums this year, and never came across any. Yours are gorgeous. At least now I know where to get them from. Thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Wow, in full bloom, they look so beautiful! The 'Globemaster' alliums especially!
ReplyDeleteThe 'Globemaster' Alliums are spectacular. The only alliums I currently have in the garden are Garlic Chives, which are very adapatable. Must get more Alliums!
ReplyDeleteTina - -those are great alliums! I've been so pleased with mine. The fading foliage wasn't bad at all and I've got those fairy wand green seed heads still standing pretty beside my roses.
ReplyDeleteCameron
I remember seeing your globemaster one time while visiting your garden. I was so excited about them as they are such an awesome sight of a bloom! I never got any this year but the Drumsticks have returned from last year. Not blooming as of yet but foliage at this point. Should be blooming soon. Icky rainy day today... Sigh...
ReplyDeletePretty flowers Tina:) Today I enjoyed the heavenly scent of the honeysuckle. I can only say it compares to a sweet piece of chocolate:) It is a great smell while out walking with the baby --really makes you feel like spring is here. One final half day of school until my kiddos are all back in the nest, lol. Today was beautiful --I even got in a swim while hubby watched the new little bundle:) Have a great night! Lola I hope your feeling better --take it easy in the garden --you should see mine --weeds abound everywhere -but I am taking it one day at a time --it can frustrate me to not get it accomplished but trust me it will wait for us:) Ciao!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tina - now I can't wait for the little sucker to grow up! LOL It's pretty small but maybe we'll get a few apples.
ReplyDeleteLots of beautiful purple flowers! Thanks for giving me some ideas to shop, the Globemaster' alliums and Vanhoutte' spirea will another new items on my shopping list. Very nice mixed of purple colors in your garden.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, I'm glad you got to smell the honeysuckle. It does have a lovely scent to it. Good for you to take a dip. Walking is good--not to mention exercise, it gives us time to think & wonder.
ReplyDeleteI know that new bundle of joy is a delight for all. They are so sweet. Wish I had seen him while there.
I'm a little better. The rain is stopping me from doing anything at this point. Walk in water in my yard. We do need the rain a lot.
Thank you everyone for your nice comments and helpful tips and information. I spent an enjoyable day in the garden and you all have too! This spring has to be one of the loveliest ever! It is so wonderful to get out and smell the honeysuckle and roses and enjoy life. P.S. Just overlook the weeds:) and enjoy the flowers!
ReplyDeleteI think ours are Globemaster too. We love them. You'd think they'd be edible, bein in the onion family. But I've not checked.
ReplyDeleteI love alliums! Many do well in our dryer conditions, and they often bloom later in the year after a lot of the "spring" bulbs have finished.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Tina and lovely Alliums. I just added several varieties back into my garden last fall and am patiently waiting for blooms (we're a bit behind you). I can't imagine now why I went so long without them?? Maybe I needed to be blogging for inspiration? I'm sure if I'd seen your post a few years ago, I'd have planted them a lot sooner!
ReplyDeleteI planted it for the first time this year and am just crazy about them. think I'll have a look at the Netherland collection. I'm excited to see what they look like when they dry out.
ReplyDeleteI love Alliums. My favorite is A. Christophii, I will not garden without it!
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