Allium giganteum
ornamental onion or allium bulb
- 1 × bulb
- £7.99
- available to order from autumn
- 3 × bulbs
- £21.00 £7.00 each
- available to order from autumn
Delivery options
- Bulbs (only) £4.99
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: June to July
- Hardiness: fully hardy
- Allium bulb size: 18/20
Dense globes of small, star-shaped, lilac-pink flowers on towering stems in summer above pale green leaves, which starts to die back before the flowers appear. This gorgeous ornamental onion - the tallest currently available - is perfect for providing vertical interest in a sunny border. Try it dotted in small groups among ornamental grasses, or as part of a Mediterranean scheme.
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. While keeping the size of the flowerhead in mind and avoiding overcrowding, 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