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Alliums
Alliums have become the real 'stars' of the border over the last few years, giving huge impact whilst taking up minimal space. They are easily grown, given a fair amount of sun & well-drained soil.
We carry a comprehensive range - almost 40 different varieties - including some of the smaller species as well as the 'giant' varieties. Many of the new giant hybrids are sterile, resulting in a much longer flowering period than for most of the species alliums (it also means they can only be propagated vegetatively, which increases the initial cost of the bulbs). A large number of large-flowered alliums, both species and hybrids, have been included in our ongoing garden trials here at the farm, allowing us to make side-by-side comparisons. To assist gardeners who are new to growing alliums, we have noted outstanding selections (which must have performed well over several seasons) with a five star (✩✩✩✩✩) rating, but all our offerings have much to commend them as valuable, garden-worthy plants.
Size does count with alium bulbs - if you want the largest flowers and the most impressive display, it is worth investing in top-sized bulbs. If a seller doesn't specify bulb size, the chances are that you are not going to get the best.
Allium Ambassador
A stunning Dutch hybrid with 8" diameter, dark purple flower heads. As a sterile hybrid, 'Ambassador' offers a long flowering period and is later and taller than most of the other 'giant' varieties, due to having the late flowering a. giganteum in its parentage. Ht. 40" (100cm).
✩✩✩✩✩ Rating
Bulb size 24+ cm
Pack of 3 for £ 17.50
Allium amplectens 'Graceful Beauty'
Small globes of sparkling white flowers, with lavender stamens. Introduced in 2011 and immediately proved popular. Ht. 12" (30cm).Bulb size 6+cm
* Still at 2018 Prices *Pack of 10 bulbs for £4.00
Pack of 30 bulbs for £10.00
Allium atropurpureum
The darkest flowered allium available to date, with black-purple, half-spheres which hold their colour well over a long period. Pair it with the white, similarly shaped a.nigrum for a striking contrast. Ht. 2' (60cm).Bulb size 10+ cm
5 bulbs for £3.50
10 bulbs for £6.00
Allium caeruleum
Small species of 'globe' flowered allium. The blooms are true blue, held aloft on wiry stems. Ht. to 18" (45cm).Bulb size 5+ cm
* Same price as 2021*
Pack of 15 bulbs for £3.50
Pack of 50 bulbs for £10.00
Allium caesium AGM
We first trialled this species in 2011 and found the soft blue flowers to be particularly long lasting. Over the years, it has also proved to be very easy and reliable. Ht.8" (20cm).Bulb size 5+ cm
* Same Price as 2022 *
Pack of 3 bulbs for £4.00
Allium 'Cameleon'
Blooms in mid-May, with clusters of dusky rose pink flowers that fade to white with pink veins as they age. Lovely planted in a group at the edge of a border.
Height 9-12" (25-30cm).
Bulb size 4+ cm
Same Price as 2022
Pack of 10 bulbs for £3.00
Pack of 25 bulbs for £6.50
Allium cristophii AGM
Stunning spherical heads of metallic mauve flowers, which remain attractive into winter, long after their summer colour has faded. Ht. 12-16" (30-40cm) Size is everything with this variety and our top-sized bulbs will produce the largest flowers. Growing tip; space out well at planting time to avoid congested flowerheads.
✩✩✩✩✩ RatingBulb size 14+ cm
*Same Price...
Allium 'Dutchman'
New in 2020
Splendid new variety, producing enormous flowerheads of violet-purple in early summer. It has been a revelation in our border this year, providing the longest lasting display of any of our many allium varieties and proving a real bee magnet.
What also marks it apart from similar alliums is that it retains its foliage in good condition during the flowering period which, in some planting...
Allium 'Eros'
This recent introduction is like a deeper, more vividly coloured form of a.unifolium, with umbels of lilac flowers in early summer. A terrific little allium for growing through shorter, spreading perennials at front of border. Suitable for sun/part shade.Height 12-18" (30-45cm).
Bulb size 5+ cm
Pack of 10 bulbs for £3.50
Pack of 30 bulbs for £9.00
Allium 'Firmament'
A stunning cross between a.atropurpureum & a.cristophii. The dark amethyst flowerheads have a lovely metallic sheen and measure around 4.5" (12cm) with a height of 32" (80 cm). Flowering over a long period in May-June. Long admired by the bulb cognoscenti, this is an allium which deserves to be more widely grown.
✩✩✩✩✩ Rating
Bulb size 8+ cm
Pack of 3 bulbs...
Allium 'Forelock'
Striking introduction, sporting unusual, conical blooms of burgundy, tipped white, with a striking 'topknot'.Has proved very reliable in our borders over a number of years now, even growing well in a partly shaded area of the garden. Ht.24-30" (60-75cm).
Bulb size 14+ cm
Pack of 3 bulbs for £10.00
Allium giganteum AGM
Large, tightly filled flowerheads of violet on stems up to 5' (150cm). Late flowering season, from mid-June, and needing full sun and excellent drainage to persist well.Bulb size 20+ cm
* Same Price as 2022 *
Pack of 3 bulbs for £16.00
Allium 'Gladiator' AGM
Large flowerheads of lilac-purple with a height up to 5' (150cm). A very affordable and reliable 'giant' which is usually in flower in the run-up to Chelsea.Bulb size 24+ cm
* Same Prices as 2022 *
Pack of 3 bulbs for £8.50
Pack of 10 bulbs for £26.50
Allium Globemaster AGM
Spectacular introduction, bearing giant aster-violet flowers on strong stems in summer. As a bonus, the flowers are strongly scented of honey & adored by bees. We have been growing this variety for many years now and find it to be vigorous and reliable, reflowering and building up well year-on-year. A sterile hybrid, so the flowers are long-lasting, with no energy spent on seed setting.Ht. 4’...
Allium vineale ‘Hair’
Something of a novelty, the Dutch grower named this for the green, tendril-like extrusions on the flowerhead. Popular with flower arrangers & gardeners who like something a little different.
Ht. 24" (60cm)
Bulb size 5+ cm
Pack of 10 for £3.00
Pack of 30 for £7.50
Allium 'Jackpot'
Recent introduction, with large, lilac-purple globe-flowers. Rated a 5 star Best Buy in a recent 'Gardening Which' trial. We have grown it in our Barn Garden since it was first introduced a few years ago, finding it both beautiful and reliable. Summer flowering at 28-36” (70-90cm).
'Best Buy' rating from Which? Gardening.
Bulb size 14+ cm
* Lower Prices than 2022 *
Pack of 3 bulbs for £9.50
Pack...
Allium karataviense 'Ivory Queen'
Pure white flowered form of this low-growing species, suited to front of borders or containers. The foliage is a feature of this variety, being broader than most allium leaves and subtly ribbed. Unlike most of the globe-flowered alliums, this variety retains its leaves during flowering and the flowers themselves fade through an attractively fresh shade of green Ht. 8" (20cm).Bulb size 12+ cm
Pack...
Allium karataviense Red Giant
New in 2021
Vastly improved colour from the species (which is a rather washed out pink) - this introduction sports large, spherical flowers of a good reddish-pink. Short growing, it is ideal for the front of a border or for containers, where it will also display the attribute of retaining its handsome, broad, ribbed foliage throughout flowering time. Ht. to 10" (25cm), flowerhead to 5" (12cm). Flowering...
Allium 'Lucky Balloons'
NEW FOR 2023
This remarkable new introduction produces between 2-4 large , mauve flowerheads per bulb, on relatively short stems, making it great for both containers and near the front of garden borders. It originated as a cross between a.karataviense & a.hollandicum.
Flowering May-June at 2' (60cm).
Bulb size 18/20 cm
Pack of 3 bulbs for £16.50
Allium 'Miami'
Recent introduction with large, fairly open flowerheads of red-purple flowers. This super variety gets better year on year, producing strong stems of striking flowers, which really stand out amongst the mauves and purples of other allium varieties. Great value also! Ht.30" (80cm). Bulb size 12+ cm
Pack of 10 bulbs for £4.50Pack of 25 bulbs for £10.00
Allium Mount Everest
Sought-after variety with large, dense, spherical heads of white flowers on strong stems in early summer. Ht. 3-4' (90-120cm).
Bulb size 20+ cm
* Same Prices as 2022 *
Pack of 3 bulbs for £10.50
Pack of 10 bulbs for £30.00
Allium nigrum
Flat heads of white flowers with green centres in June. A really useful mid-height allium, which flowers a little later than the white 'giants' on offer. Ht. 18" (45cm).Bulb size 12+ cm
* Same Prices as 2022 *
Pack of 5 bulbs for £3.00
Pack of 10 bulbs for £4.50
Allium obliquum
Rare species with acid yellow flowers, June-July, and narrow, glaucus foliage. Has proved very easy and reliable with us, with clumps increasing well year on year. Ht.32" (80cm).
Bulb size 1 (only one size available)
* Same Prices as 2022 *
Pack of 1 bulbs for £5.50
Pack of 3 bulbs for £15.00
Allium Ostara
This exciting new introduction is a cross between a. atropurpureum and a. karataviense and has inherited the best attributes of both species. From the former comes the deep purple colouring of its globe flowers and from the latter, the bonus of retaining its attractive, shiny leaves during the flowering period. After a few years on the market, it has now also become more affordable.
Height 16" (40cm).
Bulb...
Allium 'Pink Jewel'
This is the first true pink in larger flowered alliums. We are so enamoured of it that we have gradually been increasing the numbers in our borders - the pink colouring is so pretty and really stands out from the allium crowd. Ht. 30"(75cm).
Bulb size 10+ cm
Pack of 3 bulbs for 8.00
Pack of 10 bulbs for £25.50
Allium 'Purple Rain'
This stunning introduction has 6" (15cm) globes of deep amethyst. It comes into flower in June, just as the colour is fading from a. 'Purple Sensation', making it a good follow-on choice to extend the season. Ht. 36" (90cm). Bulb size 12+ cm
✩✩✩✩✩ Rating and also recommended by GARDENING 'WHICH'
Pack of 10 bulbs for £6.00
Pack of 30 bulbs for £16.50
Allium hollandicum ‘Purple Sensation’ AGM
Selected, dark-flowered form of this species, with deep purple flowerheads. Essential mid-border subject, wonderful planted in generous drifts and affordable enough to allow this without breaking the bank. It is also tolerant of a little shade and heavier soils, so is the allium we recommend for gardeners with less than perfect conditions for other varieties. Ht. 30" (75cm).
✩✩✩✩✩...
Allium 'Red Mohican'
Neat heads of maroon flowers, tipped cream, held aloft on tall stems - a very attractive newcomer, which has been in great demand since its introduction a few years ago. Ht. to 3' (90cm).
Bulb size 10+ cm
Pack of 3 bulbs for £6.00
Pack of 10 bulbs for £17.00
Allium schubertii
Distinctive and unique in its appearance, the unequal length of the flower stalks of this variety give the impression of an exploding firework. The open structure of the flowers mean that they persist well in the border long after the colour has faded. Eventually, they can be harvested as dried flowers (some gardeners spray them silver or gold and use them as Christmas decorations). Only top-sized...
Allium schubertii 'Arctic Snow'
New in 2022
Fabulous, new white-flowered form of allium schubertii. Huge flowerheads have the appearance of exploding fireworks, keeping their remarkable structure even after the colour has faded. Hardy bulb for sun/well-drained soil, flowering in June at around 18" (45cm).
Bulb size 12+ cm
Pack of 3 bulbs for £8.50
Allium scorodoprasum 'Art'
A great novelty, the small flowers have green spokes of purple florets. Much loved by flower arrangers. Ht. 18" (45cm).
Bulb size 5+ cm
* Same Prices as 2021 & 2022 *
Pack of 15 for £4.50
Pack of 50 for £13.50
Allium 'Silver Spring'
The white flowers of this variety are quite unique, with each floret sporting a distinctive maroon 'eye'. This allium has been established in our borders for some years now and it is always the first of the alliums to show foliage (often in early winter) although the flowering time is early summer. The seedheads are attractive left to stand in the border after flowering. Just give it a sunny site...
Allium sphaerocephalon
Tall stems of maroon/green drumstick flowerheads in mid-summer, a little later than most varieties of Allium. Stunning in groups amongst lower growing plants, or intermingled with grasses. Ht. 24" (60cm).Bulb size 6+ cm
Pack of 15 bulbs for £3.00
Pack of 50 bulbs for £7.50
Pack of 100 bulbs for £12.00
Allium 'Summer Drummer'
This allium has to be seen to be believed! It begins producing its foliage very early in the year, shooting ever upwards until it is well over 6' (180cm) tall and topped by tight buds with elongated tips. These hold for months before gradually expanding and splitting open, to reveal large globes which sport a mixture of purple and white florets - uniquely different! Height to 8' (240cm).
Bulb size...
Allium 'Toabago' (previously 'Spider')
An exciting, recent cross between a.schubertii and a.atropurpureum, resulting in darker violet 'firework' flowers on a longer stem. Give the bulbs a warm, sheltered spot with good drainage and they will persist well. Ht. 24" (60cm)
Bulb size 10+ cm
Pack of 5 bulbs for £5.00
Pack of 10 bulbs for £7.50
Allium Universe AGM
New in 2021
We first grew this stunning allium back in 2006, when it was a new introduction and not widely available. We were impressed with it then and with its subsequent flowering over the years. More recently, it was part of the Wisley allium trial, impressing the judges sufficiently to gain an RHS Award of Garden Merit. The flowers are deep violet and of great size (6"/15cm or more in diameter)...
Allium Violet Beauty
This pretty variety of allium stipitatum has so much going for it. The flowers are a lovely mid-lilac and pleasantly scented and the bulbs themselves are affordable enough to allow for generous planting. Ideal also for the cutting garden.
Ht. 30" (75cm)
Bulb size 10+cm
Pack of 10 bulbs for £4.50
Pack of 30 bulbs for £11.50
Allium 'White Cloud' ('Ping Pong')
The choice in white allums is far more restricted than for purple flowered varieties, so a new variety is always worth a look. And 'White Cloud' is distinctly different from longer-established whites, with its very tightly packed flowerheads and later flowering time. The attractive, pointed flower buds open with a pink tinge before turning ivory white. Flowering in mid-summer at around 32" (80cm).
Bulb...
