CLARE BULB COMPANY INFORMATION SHEET
Alliums
General description:
Alliums are closely related to the common onion, producing a
ball-like flower on the end of a single, thick stem.
The flowers are usually mauve or white, and are very long lasting.
In fact, they can be left in their flowering positions for the duration of
the summer, as despite the colour fading from the flower balls, the
flowers the often remain intact, fading to a not unpleasing brown colour.
They make a very fine dried flower collection, which will last for years.
Mount Everest
Allium Schubertii
Allium Gladiator
Allium
"Drumsticks"
Where best to plant: A sunny, dry border is ideal, although Alliums are very tolerant of light shade.
Planting hints:
Planting
hints: Plant about six inches deep for the larger varieties, eight if the
soil allows, and leave in position. If they are to be lifted, wait until
the stem breaks off easily before digging them up.
Plant
in groups, three being the minimum.
Alliums very much appreciate feeding with the equivalent of bone-meal, applied after the flowers have begun to show.
Variety information:
Variety
information: There are many varieties of Allium, ranging in size from the
little Moly up to the giant Globemaster. The flowering period also covers
many months, from March to mid-summer, depending upon the variety.
Particular
favourites with gardeners are Purple Sensation, Christophii, Schubertii,
Giganteum and Globemaster.