As visitors stroll through the display gardens on the farm, they often ask us about the plants they see in the borders and beds. No plant generates more questions than Alliums. Members of this genus come in a wide range of colors – from various shades of purple to pink, true blue, yellow and white, but the hallmark of this family of plants is a form that is both playful and completely distinctive. Larger varieties such as Allium ‘Globemaster’ form large spheres (in this case 8-10″ flower heads) that appear to float like balloons above other plants in the border. Smaller varieties including the delightful Drumstick Allium (Allium sphaerocephalon), produce club-sized of clubs on narrow stems at a lower height.
Allium caeruleum stands out both for its color and its shape.
It is worth mentioning that Alliums, like daffodils, are resistant to deer and rodents, thanks to their faint onion scent. The smell is not noticeable above ground unless the leaves are cut or bruised, and many of the flowers have an enchanting, sweet fragrance. There are hundreds of species within this underrated genus, and we struggle every year to keep to a reasonable selection. They are reliable perennials when given good drainage and plenty of sun.
The flower clusters of Allium roseum bulbiferum are less dense than some other varieties, the pink bays and airy habit adding a graceful presence to the sunny border.
