Allium atropurpureum
ornamental onion or allium bulbs
- 10 × bulbs
- £7.99
- available to order from summer
- 20 + 10 FREE bulbs
- £15.98 £20.97
- available to order from summer
Delivery options
- Bulbs (only) £4.95
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average to fast
- Flowering period: May to June
- Hardiness: fully hardy
- Bulb size: 7/8
As soon as we added this allium to our range, it immediately shot to the top of our wishlists. In early to mid summer, each upright stem is crowned with a rounded cluster of small flowers, which seem to hover like large, brilliantly coloured jewels above the foliage. Each flower is made up of deep pink to purple petals surrounding a blueberry-purple centre, which creates a vibrant and exciting contrast of colours. Their drumstick shape is great for adding diversity to the border, while their sturdy stems makes them ideal for cutting. If left in the border after the flowers have faded though, the subsequent seed heads will add months of structural interest.
Allium bulbs are easy to grow in a sunny spot with freely drained soil, or a good quality potting compost. Ideally they should be planted in September or October, but could also be planted in early November in milder regions. Dig holes roughly three times as deep as the diameter of the bulb and place them at the base, pointy side up before gently infilling and watering to settle them in. In early spring, as growth begins, apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser, and allow the plants to die back naturally and completely before tidying away.
- Pets: TOXIC if eaten; Humans: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten