Alliums for a Bold Garden: Statement Blooms from Spring to Summer

Few bulbs give as much drama per square metre as ornamental alliums. Their spherical flowerheads punch through borders in late spring, hold their shape as they dry, and are magnets for bees.

Why grow alliums

Alliums are drought-tolerant once established, largely ignored by deer and rabbits, and multiply readily. The dried seed heads look striking left standing through summer and into autumn.

Varieties worth growing

Allium 'Globemaster' (buy from Thompson & Morgan →) is the giant of the genus — mauve globes up to 20cm across on sturdy stems, reliable and long-lived. For cut flowers and smaller borders, the Allium Cut Flower Collection (buy from Thompson & Morgan →) mixes several varieties for a longer succession of blooms.

Planting and care

Plant allium bulbs in autumn, 10-15cm deep, in full sun and well-drained soil — they rot in waterlogged ground. Space larger varieties like Globemaster 20-25cm apart to give the flowerheads room.

Pairing with hardy orchids

Alliums' upright, architectural form contrasts well with the low, spreading habit of hardy orchids such as Bletilla — plant alliums toward the back of a border with orchids in front for layered height and colour through the season.

Thompson & Morgan’s spring flowering bulbs, including alliums, are currently 12% off with code TM_TAW435W until 31 October 2026.