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Allium Drumstick

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Allium Drumstick (Allium sphaerocephalon) is a tough and prolific perennial that features tall, slender stems topped with drumstick-shaped flower heads transitioning from green at the base to vibrant burgundy purple at the tips. Blooming from spring to summer, these bright flowers create a stunning display when planted en masse in garden beds alongside grasses or other perennials. The blue-grey strappy foliage emerges in early spring, providing an attractive backdrop. Thriving in full sun with at least six hours of sunlight daily, this low-maintenance plant is drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for borders, rock gardens, or containers. Its long-lasting blooms are perfect for cutting and showcasing in vases, attracting beneficial pollinators while enhancing garden beauty.

Description

Quarantine Note: Due to quarantine restrictions, Allium bulbs cannot be sent to Tasmania.

Allium Drumstick (Allium sphaerocephalon)

Allium Drumstick, or Allium sphaerocephalon, is one of the tallest alliums and a striking perennial from the Amaryllidaceae family, known for its unique drumstick-shaped flower heads. Native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, this ornamental onion blooms from spring to summer, adding texture, movement, and elegance to any garden.

Appearance
Slender stems are topped with spherical flower heads packed with rich burgundy or purple blooms. Blue-grey or green strappy leaves emerge in early spring, forming neat clumps before fading as the flowers take centre stage, creating a dynamic focal point.

Growing Conditions
Allium thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. These resilient bulbs withstand cold winters and prefer a near-neutral pH. Once established, they are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, ideal for sunny, dry locations. Alliums can be grown in almost all climates, from cool to subtropical, flourishing in borders, rock gardens, or containers.

Benefits of Growing Alliums
Allium Drumstick offers numerous advantages for gardeners. They are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established, making them perfect for mass planting. Their ability to naturally deter pests like deer, rabbits, and rodents makes them excellent companions for enhancing the health of surrounding flora. Long-lasting blooms attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in your garden.

Companion Planting
To control multiplication, plant Alliums in designated areas like borders or rockeries, where their slow spreading can be managed alongside other plants. They naturalise gradually, making them suitable for smaller spaces. Raised beds offer good drainage and help contain their growth.

Planting Time
Plant the bulbs from April to June across all climates. In cooler regions, earlier planting is preferable to ensure the bulbs experience sufficient cold for dormancy, resulting in strong spring blooms. For warmer climates, wait until the ground cools after summer heat for optimal establishment.

What to Do When Your Allium Bulbs Arrive
Upon receiving Allium bulbs, plant immediately or when appropriate within the planting season. If immediate planting isn’t possible, store them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use a breathable container like a mesh bag to ensure good air circulation.

Complete Planting Guide for Alliums

  1. Choosing the Right Spot: Alliums thrive in full sun with well-draining soil. Raised beds are ideal for preventing waterlogging.
  2. Soil Preparation: Mix a small amount of complete granular fertiliser or well-broken-down manure into the soil before planting to enhance nutrient availability.
  3. Planting Depth and Spacing: Plant bulbs 8-10 cm deep, spacing small varieties about 10 cm apart and larger ones 15-20 cm apart.
  4. Watering: Water well after planting and during the bloom period. Reduce watering after flowering to prevent bulb rot.
  5. Fertilising: As buds develop, apply a complete fertiliser to support growth.
  6. Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Aftercare for Alliums

  • Post-Bloom Care: Remove spent flowers to help bulbs store energy. Allow foliage to die back naturally, storing energy for the next growing season.
  • Dividing and Lifting: Alliums can be left undisturbed for years but lift and divide if overcrowded after flowering. Store in a cool, dry location before replanting in autumn.

Pest and Disease Management
Alliums are generally pest-resistant, but slugs and snails may occasionally appear. Use barriers like diatomaceous earth to deter them. Ensure well-drained soil to prevent bulb rot.

Safety Considerations
While Alliums are non-toxic to humans and pets, caution is advised, as ingestion can cause discomfort. Keep bulbs out of reach, and wear gloves when handling.

Supplied as dormant bulbs.

Additional information

Price Code

B – Aqua Pack

Botanical Name

Allium sphaerocephalon

Quantity in Pack

7 Bulbs

Flowering Time

Spring to Early Summer

Planting Time

Plant from April onwards

Growing Height

50-70 cm

Planting Depth

8-10 cm

Soil

Plant Alliums in well-draining soil with a near-neutral pH. Drainage is crucial as the bulbs rot easily in soggy soils. Raised beds or borders with good airflow can be ideal for preventing waterlogging.

How to Plant

To plant Alliums, choose a sunny location that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Ensure the soil is well-draining; raised beds are particularly effective for preventing waterlogging. Prior to planting, incorporate a small amount of complete granular fertiliser or well-broken-down manure to improve nutrient availability. Plant bulbs 8-10 cm deep, spacing smaller varieties 10 cm apart and larger ones 15-20 cm apart. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the growing and blooming periods. Finally, apply mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Watering

After planting Allium bulbs, water thoroughly to settle the soil and establish strong root growth. As the foliage emerges in early spring, water consistently to ensure the plants remain well-hydrated but not soggy. Continue this practice throughout the blooming period. Once the blooms begin to fade, gradually reduce watering. The bulbs should remain dry during their dormant phase, with watering resuming when new growth appears in late spring of the following year. This approach effectively prevents bulb rot and supports the natural life cycle of the Allium.

Fertilise

Incorporate a small amount of complete granular fertiliser or well-broken-down manure into the soil before planting to improve nutrient availability. As buds develop, apply a complete fertiliser to support growth.

Pruning

To disguise the fading foliage of Alliums during its transition to dormancy, plant them among other perennials for a cohesive look. Remove spent flowers to help the bulbs store energy for the next season, and allow the foliage to die back naturally to aid in this process. The foliage should only be cut back once it has fully turned yellow and the blooms have faded, ensuring the bulbs have stored enough energy for future growth.

Alliums are slow to multiply and can be left undisturbed for many years. However, if they become overcrowded, it is advisable to lift and separate the bulbs once both the foliage and blooms have fully died back. After lifting, you can either replant them immediately or store them in a cool, dry location to replant before the end of the planting season, which typically concludes in late autumn. This practice helps ensure that your Alliums continue to thrive and maintain their vigour in the garden.

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