The Allium bulbs Sphaerocephalon are bulbs of a small ornamental onion, also known as drumstick allium, with deep purple, ball-shaped flower heads on long, slender stems. The plant grows to around 60 to 80 centimetres tall and sways gracefully in the wind. The sturdy stems also make them suitable as cut flowers.

At size 5/6 these are small bulbs, which you plant in large numbers for the best effect. They suit the border between ornamental grasses and perennials, the rock garden and large pots. With 100 bulbs you create a few generous groups in the border or fill two to three large pots. With 200 bulbs you plant a continuous strip, and with 400 or 800 bulbs you fill a whole bed or a long zone among the grasses; allow 30 to 50 bulbs per square metre. Combine them with larger allium bulbs that flower in May, so the allium season continues into July. You will find more greenery for outdoors among our outdoor plants.

When should you plant the Allium bulbs Sphaerocephalon?

Plant this ornamental onion in spring, from March to the end of April, as soon as the ground is no longer frozen and can be worked again. The bulbs then root quickly and sprout within a few weeks, so they flower the same summer. Because the species is winter hardy, you can also plant them in autumn, between October and December; the flowers will then also appear in summer.

When do the Allium bulbs Sphaerocephalon flower?

The Allium bulbs Sphaerocephalon flower in June and July, when most other alliums have finished. The flower heads colour up gradually and together stay attractive for three to four weeks. In a hot summer flowering is over a little sooner, after a cool spring it starts later. The bulbs naturalise easily and produce a few more flowers every year.

Care and tips Allium bulbs Sphaerocephalon

Set the bulbs pointed end up at a depth of 8 to 10 centimetres, about three times their own height, with 5 to 10 centimetres between them. Dry, well-drained soil matters most; they feel at home in a rock garden or sandy border. In a large pot, make sure there is a hole in the bottom and a layer of gravel underneath; among our outdoor pots and baskets you will find roomy models. The narrow leaves often die back before the flowers open; simply leave them until they have withered. Extra fertiliser is rarely needed; on poor soil a handful of bulb fertiliser at planting is enough.

Water needs of the Allium bulbs Sphaerocephalon

This ornamental onion tolerates drought well. After planting, water thoroughly once so the soil settles around the bulbs. After that, rain is usually sufficient in the garden. In pots, water once or twice a week during dry summer weeks, but let the soil dry out in between. Too much moisture is more harmful than too little.

Light needs of the Allium bulbs Sphaerocephalon

A spot in full sun is ideal. There the slender stems stay upright and the flower heads develop their deep colour. In a spot with less than half a day of sun the stems start to flop and the plants flower more sparsely.

Are the Allium bulbs Sphaerocephalon toxic?

The Allium bulbs Sphaerocephalon are mildly toxic if ingested. Until planting, store the bulbs where pets and young children cannot reach them, and keep the flowering plants out of their reach too.

How will my Allium bulbs Sphaerocephalon be shipped?

Your bulbs are carefully packed and shipped. That way they arrive safely and fresh from the grower.