Alliums Spring Planting

What are miscellaneous spring planting allium bulbs?

These stunning, late-flowering hardy perennials are loved by pollinating insects and will bring colour and texture to the sunny border or container from June to August. They are perfect for planting with other hardy perennial plants, lilies and summer flowering bulbs and make excellent cut flowers.

Although often supplied as an autumn planting bulb, Allium 'Drumsticks' are very late flowering which means they can afford to be planted as late as spring without affecting their growth cycle. 

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. 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. 

Allium varieties

Available in spring and autumn planting varieties, allium bulbs are the perfect choice if you want a hardy summer flowering bulb. Most alliums will flower from June to July, but there are some summer flowering alliums that are worth the wait. These are some of the allium varieties that flower right into the summer months:

• Allium Sphaerocephalon - Spring planting
• Allium Cowanii
• Allium Summer Drummer
• Allium Red Mohican

When do Allium Sphaerocephalon flower?

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. 

Try planting amongst hardy perennials such as Grasses or Bearded Iris

How to grow Allium Drumsticks

• 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. 

The bulbs will reappear for a number of years but will want replenishing every couple of years to maintain their numbers. 

Why you should order your spring planting 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

For guidance on how to get the best from your alliums, refer to our detailed allium planting guide. Browse our stunning collection of spring planting allium bulbs online today or take a look at our wider range of hardy perennial bulbs for the ultimate selection. For help and advice, call our team on 0161 747 4000.