Allium 'Sphaerocephalon' Drumstick

Where to Plant:

Commonly known as the Drumstick Allium, this variety is perfect for adding late-season interest. It must have a position in full sun. Well-drained soil is essential, as the small bulbs can rot in heavy, wet ground. Its slender, willowy stems are topped with dense, egg-shaped flowerheads that cleverly transition from green to a rich claret-purple. It is a superb choice for weaving through grasses and perennials in a naturalistic or prairie-style planting scheme, adding pops of colour and texture in mid-summer.

How to Plant:

Plant the bulbs in the autumn, from September right through to November. Because the bulbs are quite small, a planting depth of around 10cm is sufficient. Place them with the pointed tip facing upwards. The key to a successful display with this allium is to plant them in large quantities. For a truly effective, natural-looking drift, plant them in groups of at least twenty or more, spacing them about 8-10cm apart. Water once after planting to get them settled.

Aftercare:

This is a very low-maintenance plant. It is important to know that the fine, grassy foliage will often start to yellow and die back before the flowers even appear; this is completely normal. Once the flowers themselves have faded, the decorative seed heads can be left standing to provide prolonged interest. It is very drought-tolerant once established and will multiply year on year where it is happy, without any need for intervention.