The Flower bulb mix Ornamental onion is a colourful mix of alliums, also known as ornamental onions, in purple, pink and white. Each stem carries a globe-shaped head made up of many small star-shaped flowers. Depending on the species, the plants grow roughly 40 to 80 centimetres tall. The stems are sturdy, so the flowers stand proudly upright even in wind, and bees love to visit them.

The bulbs are size 10/12. Alliums look their best in groups between perennials in the border, but they also do well in a large pot, and as cut flowers they last a long time in the vase. With 80 bulbs you fill a few roomy pots or about two square metres of border, with 160 bulbs a long strip. With 320 or 640 bulbs you can colour entire borders or a large bed; allow 30 to 50 bulbs per square metre. Combine the mix with other flower bulb mixes that flower earlier, so the alliums take over when the tulips finish. You will find more greenery for outdoors among our outdoor plants.

When should you plant the Flower bulb mix Ornamental onion?

The ideal planting period runs from mid-October to the end of November. Around that time the soil temperature drops below 10 °C and the bulbs can calmly form roots. If you are later, you can still plant in December as long as the ground is not frozen. Alliums need a good cold spell to flower in May and June, so we advise against planting in spring.

When do the Flower bulb mix Ornamental onion flower?

The Flower bulb mix Ornamental onion flowers in May and June, after most tulips. A flower head stays at its best for about three weeks and then slowly turns into a decorative seed head. In a pot in a warm spot the mix opens a little earlier, after a cold spring later. The bulbs return every year if you let the foliage die back after flowering.

Care and tips Flower bulb mix Ornamental onion

Plant the bulbs about 10 to 15 centimetres deep, two to three times their own height, with 10 to 15 centimetres between them. They want well-drained soil; lighten heavy clay with some sand. For a pot, choose a roomy, deep model with a drainage hole and a layer of gravel at the bottom, for example from our outdoor pots and baskets. Allium foliage already turns yellow around flowering time, so place them between perennials that hide it. You can leave the spent heads standing as elegant seed heads. A little bulb fertiliser in spring is enough.

Water needs of the Flower bulb mix Ornamental onion

Alliums do not like wet feet. In the garden, rain is usually enough and you only water if spring stays dry for a long time. In a pot, water about once a week from the moment the leaves emerge, and less once the foliage yellows. Pour excess water out of the saucer.

Light needs of the Flower bulb mix Ornamental onion

Plant this mix in full sun. The more sun, the sturdier the stems and the richer the colour of the flower heads. In shade the stems lean towards the light and the bulbs flower less generously.

Are the Flower bulb mix Ornamental onion toxic?

The Flower bulb mix Ornamental onion is mildly toxic if ingested, especially the bulbs. Alliums belong to the onion family, which is not healthy for dogs and cats either. So plant and store them out of reach of pets and young children.

How will my Flower bulb mix Ornamental onion be shipped?

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