Allium Bulbs

Among the most interesting and diverse of the fall-planted flower bulbs, alliums keep gaining in popularity year after year. These beauties are actually wild flowering onions with a huge range of attributes. Some feature enormous globular blooms, while others grow into a burst of tiny flowering clusters. From the eye-catching giant alliums such as Globemaster, Gladiator or Mont Blanc to the classic Purple Sensation, allium bulbs are sure to add the flair of the unexpected and exotic to your garden.

• 22 allium bulb varieties
• Attracts pollinators and is deer resistant
• Makes unique dry flower arrangements
• Use dried allium heads to make potpourri

Allium is a genus of flowering plants that consists of hundreds of species! Garlic, onions, scallions, shallots, and leeks are all card-carrying members of the massive allium family. But did you know that alliums can also be extraordinary flowers? It's true! Many alliums produce flowers that typically have six petal-like tepals. The curious flowers appear on a tall, sturdy stalk in a globe-like cluster. Depending on the species, the anthers and pollen color will vary. Heights will also vary between varieties, ranging anywhere form five inches to as towering as four feet! To see some of the variations, check out our Small Blue Caeruleum, Tall Schubertii, and our Drumstick Allium bulbs, just to name a few of our more than 20 allium varieties. Looking for an allium flower that will grow as big as a large grapefruit? Check out our Giant Gladiator Alliums. With so many fun options, these blooming onion bulbs are a popular garden favorite.

While it's plain to see the aesthetic appeal of flowering alliums, the ease of planting should not be overlooked. Alliums are traditionally planted in the fall for late spring and early summer blooms. If possible, select a site in your yard that will receive full sun. Like most bulbs, alliums thrive in sun. However, they can be successfully grown in partial shade as well. Your soil should have proper drainage. In most cases, you will want to fertilize your allium planting site with bulb food to help ensure that the bulbs are properly established. Dig a hole that is about twice as deep as the height of the bulb. Each hole should be around six to eight inches apart. Be sure to plant allium bulbs pointy end up! After you have planted your bulbs, be sure to water them sufficiently. You can also successfully plant alliums indoors. Providing your alliums have proper drainage and sunlight, they will cheerfully reappear year after year. Not only that, but their slim, vertical shape takes up very little ground space, leaving you room to keep them company with accent plants such as geraniums, hostas, irises, or peonies.

Allium flowers symbolize unity, prosperity, patience, and good fortune. All wonderful things to represent in your yard or in a statement-making cut flower arrangement or bouquet! Whether, fresh or dried, alliums make spectacular, bold statements in floral arrangements, so be sure to cut some for inside.

For more information about planting, growing, and caring for alliums, see the Allium Seeds Planting Guide.