Allium Sphaerocephalon (Drumsticks) Bulb
Delivery: From end August
Allium sphaerocephalon features small egg-shaped umbels densely packed with burgundy florets, held at the top of flexible tall stems that gracefully sway in the breeze.
Also known as round-headed leek, this drumstick allium will attract admiring glances as its umbels progressively turn from green to burgundy in the summer garden. Particularly fabulous planted in bold groups, this recipient of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit will also look exquisite scattered amongst grasses and low-growing hardy perennials in sunny borders and wild meadows where it will happily naturalise. Reminiscent of gemstones, its small blooms are fantastic featured in fresh and dried flower bouquets; they are also magnets for pollinators!
Alliums and their decorative seedheads are a great way to bring interest to the autumn and winter garden, whilst also providing wildlife with a much needed source of food and shelter during this challenging time of the year. Last but not least, they offer the added benefit of being deer and rabbit resistant!
| Colour | Purple, Red |
|---|---|
| Delivery | From end August |
| Flower Size | 3cm |
| Garden Position | Sun |
| Hardiness | Hardy |
| Height (Mature plant) | 60 cm |
| Month of Blooming | June, July |
| Planting Depth | 15cm |
| Planting Time | Autumn, Winter |
| Planting density (per m2) | 75-100 |
| Planting position | Middle, Back |
| Scented | No |
| Size | 7/+cm |
| Special Features | Animal Resistant, Bee and Pollinator Friendly, Drought Tolerant, Good for Cut Flowers, Naturalising, Heirloom |
| Suitable for Pots | No |
| Type of Soil | Fertile, Well Drained |
Allium Sphaerocephalon bulbs are a lovely tall, later flowering drumstick allium that was recommended in The Telegraph as one of the best alliums for your garden. The flowers start green and turn reddish-purple from the top down.
We can’t recommend these bulbs enough. If you were to start a garden from scratch these would be near the top of the list to plant in autumn.
Reasons to buy Allium Drumsticks
- A small bulb, pearl-like in appearance, they are cheap compared to most other alliums. But that doesn’t diminish their appeal. You can buy a large quantity of these bulbs for maximum effect.
- They may also be a smaller flower than some of the most impressive alliums, but again, the effect of these flowers is very different. About the size of an egg, the head of the allium begins with an oval shape. Reminiscent of a drumstick tip. A clear division between the bottom flowers in green and the top three quarters in a strong purple, is in itself a pretty feature.
- As the allium matures the flowers begin to open up and the tight oval shape begins to loosen up. You won't’ believe how long these flowers last. One of the later spring alliums, Sphaerocephalon flowers well into summer.
- Whilst it is in bloom it will become a favourite landing spot for all pollinators. Standing to 60 or 70 cm high, they are an uninvasive addition to the maturing summer perennials. Gently swaying on strong but fine stems.
- An immediately recognisable flower, you can find them in most gardens during early summer. Either as a formal addition of height or planted sparingly in wild cottage gardens. You can even fill a pot with them for a unique patio performance.
- The bulbs will reappear for a number of years but will want replenishing every couple of years to maintain their numbers.
- You do not need to deadhead allium flowers.
- Leave the bulbs in the ground
Plant them about 10cm deep, the extra depth will help anchor the tall stems. A well draining but moist soil is favourable. Alliums do not like sitting in water drenched soil. Position in a sunny spot in the garden.
