Allium 'Gladiator'

Dispatch begins week of 14 September
Autumn planting varieties are seasonal and become available at the start of September. We will then prepare your order and begin dispatch during the week beginning Monday 14 September.

Choose your pack size Planting impact; savings vs smallest pack
5 bulbs
Planting coveragePlants a small pot or border cluster
£13.19
£2.64 each
10 bulbs
Most popular Fills 1-2 pots or a compact group
£24.09
£2.41 each
Save 9% each
25 bulbs
Best value Creates a generous border group
£49.39
£1.98 each
Save 25% each

Free delivery on £40+ orders

Carbon-Neutral Delivery

Bloom or Bust Guarantee

Gladiator, often admired for its purple colouring, is a bulb variety especially well suited to borders.

Allium 'Gladiator' is a statuesque choice for adding modern architecture to late-spring planting. Each bulb sends up a tall, upright stem topped with a perfectly rounded globe of soft lavender-purple flowers—clean, contemporary and wonderfully composed among grasses, nepeta and early roses.

Its grey-green foliage forms a neat base before the flowerheads rise above the border, lending height and rhythm without fuss. An elegant performer in mixed planting, and a fine option for large containers where drainage is assured.

  • Large, spherical flowerheads in refined lavender-purple
  • Excellent for borders and statement containers
  • Pollinator friendly and notably resilient to deer
  • Supplied as premium bulbs: 18/20cm
Botanical name Allium 'Gladiator'
Flower colour Purple
Bulb size 18/20cm
Established height 100-150cm
Established spread 10-50cm
Plant spacing 25-30cm
Leaf colour Grey-green
Habit Upright
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Fully Hardy
Years to establish 2
Sunlight Full-Sun
Position Sheltered
Suitable for Borders, Containers, Cottage & Informal Gardens, City & Courtyard Gardens
Soil acidity Any
Soil moisture Well-drained
Soil type Fertile, well-drained (avoid winter waterlogging; use containers on heavy clay)
RHS Award (AGM) AGM
Growing skill Easy
Pollinator-friendly Yes
Deer resistant Yes

Where to Plant:

Allium 'Gladiator' needs full-sun and a warm, sheltered position for the best flowering. Plant into fertile, humus-rich soil that drains well, and choose a spot protected from strong winds, especially for taller varieties.

How to Plant:

Plant bulb from September to December once conditions are suitable. Set them at the correct depth for the variety, spacing 25-30cm apart where relevant, then firm in gently and water well after planting.

Aftercare:

Water regularly in dry weather and feed every two to three weeks once buds appear. Stake taller stems early and deadhead to keep plants flowering. After flowering, allow foliage to die back naturally before lifting or protecting bulb according to local conditions.

Planting and Flowering Calendar

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Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

Attracts wildlife

RHS Award (AGM)

Good for cutting

Naturalising

Allium 'Gladiator' - Harding & Bloom

Allium 'Gladiator'

£13.19

£13.19

The Finest Bulbs

We partner with elite growers to provide only top-size, professional-grade bulbs. Bigger bulbs mean stronger roots and more spectacular blooms.

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We are committed to a healthier planet, using sustainable growing practices and mindfully chosen, recyclable packaging.

An Unrivaled Selection

Discover an extensive collection of both timeless classics and rare, exclusive varieties to create a garden that is uniquely yours.

Our Bloom Guarantee

If a bulb or plant fails to perform in its first growing season after the care instructions have been followed, we will normally offer a replacement or store credit for the affected item. This does not affect your statutory rights.

Kind Words from Our Gardeners

Arrived quickly and well-packaged. Planted them in some pots on the patio and they all came up. Look beautiful. Thank you!

Careane Wallace

Oxfordshire, UK

The bulbs arrived beautifully packaged and you could just tell they were excellent quality. We had the most wonderful display of daffodils this spring on our patio. Simply stunning. Will definitely be ordering again

David P

Kent, UK

I ordered the mixed hyacinth collection and the scent in my garden this April was absolutely heavenly. Every single bulb produced a strong, beautiful flower and the colours were stunning together. A fantastic purchase, I'll be back for more next year!

Eleanor R

Somerset