Alliums are invaluable members of the garden, widely grown for their useful May to June flowering period which perfectly spans the gap between spring and early summer. Possibly the best-known are showy, purple lollipop types, though there are many shapes, sizes, and colours available beyond this. For informal areas, wildlife gardens, containers, or edging the front of a border, the smaller, more wild-looking species are ideal, of which here we have brought together three of our favourites. Also known as 'golden garlic', Allium moly bears clusters of unusual bright yellow flowers, 30cm tall. Allium neapolitanum, or 'Naples garlic', has simple, white, star-shaped blooms, and reaches 45cm in height. Allium unifolium, common name 'American onion', produces pink, shaggy umbels, and grows to 30cm. All enjoy a sunny spot (though Allium moly will also tolerate shade) in any fertile, well-draining soil. Take care to avoid soil prone to winter waterlogging, and if you garden on heavy clay, it may be best to grow these in containers. Like most bulbs, allium is best seen en masse, so plant as many as you can! Hardy to at least -10 , often beyond.
When To Plant
Planting Month
Foliage Month
Flowering Month