Allium

A rare and captivating beauty for the rock garden or the front of a border, Allium nevskianum is a true collector's item. This low-growing species is famed for its huge, perfectly round flower heads that are almost comically large for its short stature. The 6-inch globes of intense raspberry-red to wine-purple flowers sit just above a pair of broad, silver-grey, tulip-like leaves. The contrast between the dramatic flower and the ornamental foliage is simply stunning. It’s a jewel-like plant that offers an incredible visual impact from a very compact form, perfect for containers or a sunny, well-drained gravel garden.

Embrace the wild and whimsical with Allium 'Hair', a variety that truly lives up to its name. This horticultural curiosity produces small, purple-maroon floral globes from which sprout a frenzy of long, unruly green filaments that look exactly like a crazy head of hair. These thread-like tendrils twist and curl in every direction, creating a playful, tactile, and ever-changing display that invites a closer look. It's the punk rocker of the allium world, perfect for adding a touch of humor and unexpected texture to the front of a border, a container, or a child's garden. As the season progresses, tiny purple flowers may emerge from the base, adding another layer of interest to this wonderfully bizarre and unforgettable plant.

Named for the god of love, 'Eros' is a captivatingly romantic allium. It produces delicate, airy umbels of pale lilac-pink, star-shaped flowers that seem to float on slender stems. The flower heads are about 4 inches across and have a very open, lacy structure, giving them a whimsical and ethereal quality. This variety is perfect for creating a soft, dreamy look in a cottage garden or a naturalistic planting scheme. It is exceptionally beautiful when swaying in a gentle breeze, mingling with fine grasses and other delicate perennials. A truly enchanting and graceful addition to the late spring border.

An iconic and utterly reliable white allium, 'Mount Everest' brings pure, classic elegance to the garden border. It forms large, 6-inch globes of clean, crisp white flowers on strong stems that reach a stately 3-4 feet. The flowers have a beautiful, dense structure that holds up well in spring weather and lasts for weeks. 'Mount Everest' is incredibly versatile; it looks stunning planted in formal blocks, woven through a cottage garden planting, or used as a cool, calming counterpoint to brighter colours. As the flowers fade, the seed heads turn a lovely shade of tan and provide excellent winter interest.