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Allium bulbs

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Allium Bulbs

Elevate your garden with the tall beauty of allium bulbs, often likened to "fireworks frozen mid-explosion." These remarkable flowers add a dramatic touch to any outdoor space. Many flowering over a metre tall.

At Peter Nyssen, we offer a diverse selection of allium bulbs. Part of the humble onion, family alliums display a range of flower shapes and colours to suit your preferences. From the magnificent star-studded purple heads of allium christophii to the sunny yellow blooms of allium moly. Even the culinary wonders of allium ursinum, our collection includes something for every gardening enthusiast. 

Not just for gardeners

Alliums thrive in sunny areas and make a striking display when their tall heads emerge amidst the foliage of your perennials. These spring and summer flowering plants also attract a wide variety of bees and other pollinators to your garden, contributing to a vibrant ecosystem. For more information, check out our informative blog post on alliums.

When to plant allium bulbs

To ensure optimal growth, it's best to plant allium bulbs from September to mid-November, with an acceptable planting period extending until mid-December, weather permitting.

Choose a sheltered spot with well-draining soil and ample sunlight for your allium bulbs. Their tall flowers will stand proudly, unaffected by strong winds. Remember, alliums belong to the onion family and appreciate sunlit conditions.

Do Alliums come back year after year?

  • Yes! Providing the conditions are right for them most alliums produce more bulbs from the parent bulb after flowering. So you actually get more bulbs. 
  • You do not need to dead head alliums to help the bulbs grow back. 
  • Allium bulbs can be left in the ground over winter. They are hardy bulbs and multiply through bulb division.
  • It is a good idea to lift them 1-2 years to separate the bulbs and give them more room to grow. 

Tips for growing alliums

  • Allium bulbs can stunt the growth of beans and peas. Dont plant them too close together
  • Allium leaves are often very large and can suffocate smaller plants too close. Make sure you give them lots of room.
  • The foliage will also begin to die just as the flowers begin to grow. It is best to plant alliums behind smaller plants such as hostas to hide the dying leaves.
  • For this reason it is better no to plant large alliums in pots but keep them in beds, but you can use smaller varieties such as Molly  

How Many Allium Bulbs Should I Plant together?

 

  • Giant alliums need lots of room and sun to grow. You can plant them at least 15-20cm apart and 15cm deep
  • Medium sized alliums like Purple Sensation can be planted 10cm deep and 10cm apart. 
  • Small alliums such as Drumsticks can be planted close together. When you plant a lot of allium bulbs together the effect is very impressive.  5-8cm deep and 5cm apart.

Because of the long tall stem alliums make great accents in the garden and spreading out the bulbs amongst your perennials will make a wonderful repetitive feature. 

Alliums, also known as ornamental onions, are commonly known for their stunning and unique blooms that rise in late spring. They come in a wide range of colours, shapes and sizes, making them a versatile option for any garden.

At Peter Nyssen, we offer a diverse selection of low maintenance allium bulbs to suit your preferences. From the magnificent star-studded purple heads of allium purple sensation to the sunny yellow blooms of allium yellow fantasy, our collection of dazzling allium bulbs includes something for you, whether you're a new to gardening or a garden and landscaping professional. Browse the entire collection of allium bulbs today to get started.

Types of alliums

There are over 700 species of allium bulbs, ranging from small and delicate to tall and dramatic. Some popular types include:

  • Allium Christophii: Also known as star of Persia, this variety has large globes made up of hundreds of small purple flowers. They can reach a height of up to 2 feet, making them a standout in any garden.
  • Allium Moly: These vibrant yellow flowers are perfect for adding a pop of colour to your garden. They bloom in late spring and grow up to 12 inches tall.
  • Allium Giganteum: As the name suggests, this variety can reach heights of up to 6 feet. With their large, globe-shaped blooms in shades of pink and purple, they are a showstopper in any garden.

When to plant allium bulbs

To ensure optimal growth, it's important to plant allium bulbs in the best possible contidion for them to thrive, these include:

  • Plant allium bulbs from September to mid-November, with an acceptable planting period extending until mid-December, weather permitting.
  • Choose a sheltered spot with well-draining soil and ample sunlight for your allium bulbs. Their tall flowers will stand proudly, unaffected by strong winds. Remember, alliums belong to the onion family and appreciate sunlit conditions.

How many allium bulbs should I plant together?

  • Giant alliums need lots of room and sun to grow. You can plant them at least 15-20cm apart and 15cm deep
  • Medium sized alliums like Purple Sensation can be planted 10cm deep and 10cm apart.
  • Small alliums such as Drumsticks can be planted close together, 5-8cm deep and 5cm apart.

Tips for growing alliums

Although alliums are easy to grow, there are some factors that you should consider when growing these striking flowers, such as:

  • Allium bulbs can stunt the growth of beans and peas – dont plant them too close together.
  • Allium leaves are often very large and can suffocate smaller plants too close – make sure you give them lots of room.
  • As allium flowers begin to grow, foliage will begin to die. It is best to plant alliums behind smaller plants such as hostas to hide the dying leaves.
  • It is better to plant large alliums in beds, not pots.

Why you should order your allium bulbs from Peter Nyssen

  •  We are a friendly, family run business with more than 60 years experience
  •  Our bulbs are packaged in compostable, starch based bags where possible
  •  We offer bulk prices and free delivery for orders over £100
  •  We supply flower bulbs in quantities large and small, for all types of gardener from the cottage potterer through to the professional landscaper
  •  We offer high-quality flower bulbs at great prices Allium bulbs are a easy-to-grow and bloom beautiful flowers, making them the perfect addition to any garden.

 

With the right planting time and location, these stunning flowers will thrive and add colour and interest to your outdoor space. So why not give them a try in your own garden? Browse our collection of allium bulbs now or for help and advice, call our team on 0161 747 4000. For guidance on how to get the best from your alliums, take a look at our allium planting guide.

How to grow allium bulbs

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