Allium 'Ostara'

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
10 bulbs
Planting coverageFills 1-2 pots or a compact group
£9.89
£0.99 each
25 bulbs
Most popular Creates a generous border group
£24.69
£0.99 each
Save 0% each
50 bulbs
Best value Creates a broad border drift
£49.29
£0.99 each
Save 0% each

Free delivery on £40+ orders

Carbon-Neutral Delivery

Bloom or Bust Guarantee

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

Allium 'Ostara' brings a composed, architectural note to late spring and early summer planting schemes. Neat, globe-shaped heads of rich purple, starry flowers rise on straight stems above handsome blue-green foliage—ideal for lending structure to borders, gravel gardens and the best-looking pots on the terrace.

As the flowers fade, the seedheads remain decorative, extending the display with a quietly sculptural finish. A refined choice for sunny positions, and particularly useful where you’d like dependable performance in containers (including on heavier soils, provided drainage is improved).

Why we like it

  • Elegant purple globes with a clean, modern silhouette
  • Mid-height presence at around 40–50cm—easy to place and layer
  • Pollinator friendly and well suited to borders and containers
  • Attractive seedheads for lingering interest after flowering
Botanical name Allium 'Ostara'
Flower colour Purple
Bulb size 10/12cm
Established height 40–50cm
Established spread 10–50cm
Plant spacing 15–20cm
Leaf colour Blue-green
Habit Upright
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Fully Hardy
Years to establish 2
Sunlight Full-Sun
Position South- or west-facing, sheltered spot
Suitable for Borders, Containers, Cottage & informal gardens, City & courtyard gardens
Soil acidity Any
Soil moisture Well-drained
Soil type Fertile, well-drained (suits clay if drainage is improved)
RHS Award (AGM) No
Growing skill Easy
Pollinator-friendly Yes
Deer resistant Yes

Where to Plant:

Allium 'Ostara' 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 15–20cm 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 'Ostara' - Harding & Bloom

Allium 'Ostara'

£9.89

£9.89

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.

A Greener Thumb

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