May Perennial of the Month-Allium

Every May, I get a lot of questions, but one of the most asked “What is that?” questions usually leads to the answer-Allium.

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It’s impossible not to notice the fun, globe-shaped flower heads that can be seen all over town in May. The size ranges from singular and huge like ‘Globemaster,’ or miniature and charming like ‘Millenium’ or ‘Lavender Bubbles’ like pictured below.

Alliums are bulbs in the onion family. Edible alliums like leeks, chives, garlic, and onions all have globe-shaped flower heads ranging from dark purple to white, just like the ornamental alliums. Like many bulbs, alliums are usually planted in fall, although some, like the clump-forming ‘Millenium,’ (pictured below) can be planted in spring. (BTW, The cultivar ‘Millenium’ is spelled with one ‘N,’ not two!)

All alliums prefer things on the dry side. Soggy soils will rot the bulbs. Full sun is best, but they will take part shade; just be prepared for ‘leaners’ as the flower heads reach for the light.

The edible alliums, like the garlic chives pictured above, should be deadheaded right after flowering to avoid the prolific seedlings that will result if you don’t. Most ornamental alliums are sterile and don’t reseed, but deadheading can benefit the bulb, so it puts its energy back into the bulb instead of seeds. 

What I love about this plant–

-Deer and rabbit resistant! (Even my chickens leave them alone)

-Large variety of sizes and bloom times available from mid-spring to late summer. (Check out one of the many charts available online comparing the different cultivars)

-Low-maintenance.

-Prefers full sun but will tolerate part-shade. However, the taller varieties might lean in part-shade.

-The flowers are just FUN, and kids love them!

What’s not so great-

-The oniony scent is less apparent in the garden, but if you use them as a cut flower in arrangements, you will notice it more.

-Some will reseed prolifically if not deadheaded right after flowering. Deadheading is beneficial for all varieties.

-Although no major diseases or pests exist, well-drained soil is a MUST, or the bulbs can rot.

Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

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