Alliums

With names like Gladiator and Mount Everest, you may already get the idea that alliums bring an architectural and wholly unique presence to the garden. These striking bulbs are simple to grow in spots that are mostly sunny and bring a vibrant pop of color to the late-spring garden.

Allium 'Purple Sensation'

In the front bed at the shop, we have ‘Gladiator’ growing. It blooms at the same times as the Baptisia ‘Purple Smoke’ and the effect of the two colors and forms together is an incredible combination. Another staff favorite is ‘schubertii,’ which produces blooms larger than a basketball on short stems.  

Allium 'Gladiator'

Alliums bloom in late April or May and they usually naturalize well.  They are generally easy to grow, but they require good drainage. Also, sometimes the foliage starts to die back before the bloom is ready so they’re best planted behind some taller earlier perennials to hide the leaves. Once you find a place to tuck them in your spring-blooming garden beds, they will provide your space with a interesting bloom that can bring a sense of playfulness, color and structure. 

Allium 'Schurbertii'

If you would like to include some Alliums in your garden, we have three varieties in stock now: Allium schubertii, Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ and Allium ‘Gladiator’.  We also have a bagged mix that contains Allium ‘Ivory Queen’ and ‘Gladiator’.  For more about alliums, and the particular varieties we offer, visit Van Bloem’s website: http://www.vanbloem.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/bulbs.library/index.htm.