Allium 'Forelock'

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 Display scale; savings vs smallest pack
1 bulb
Planting coverageCreates one focal point
£5.69
£5.69 each
3 bulbs
Most popular Creates a balanced architectural group
£15.39
£5.13 each
Save 10% each
12 bulbs
Best value Builds a strong border statement
£51.19
£4.27 each
Save 25% each

Free delivery on £40+ orders

Carbon-Neutral Delivery

Bloom or Bust Guarantee

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

Allium 'Forelock' is a wonderfully characterful allium, admired for its rich maroon-purple, egg-shaped flowerheads finished with a playful tufted ‘topknot’. Held on elegant stems, it brings composed, architectural punctuation to late-spring planting schemes—equally at home in smart borders or in generous pots placed where the detail can be appreciated.

As the season moves on, ‘Forelock’ continues to provide structure, pairing beautifully with airy grasses, soft cottage perennials, and other spring bulbs. A refined choice for sunny, sheltered positions with good drainage.

  • Distinctive flower form: egg-shaped heads with a charming tufted finish
  • Colour: deep maroon-purple (Colour Group: Purples & Blues)
  • Garden value: strong late-spring presence for borders and containers
  • Wildlife: pollinator friendly
  • Practical bonus: deer resistant
Botanical name Allium 'Forelock'
Flower colour Purple
Bulb size 12/+ cm
Established height 75cm
Established spread 10–50cm
Plant spacing 20cm
Leaf colour Green
Habit Clump-forming
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 (including clay where drainage is improved)
RHS Award (AGM) No
Growing skill Easy
Pollinator-friendly Yes
Deer resistant Yes

Where to Plant:

Allium 'Forelock' 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 20cm 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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Planting
Flowering

Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

Attracts wildlife

Good for cutting

Naturalising

Allium 'Forelock' - Harding & Bloom

Allium 'Forelock'

£5.69

£5.69

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.

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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