It's all about the ALLIUMS

With colourful floral globes on tall stems, these easy-care bulbs are a garden designer’s dream

- CHRIS MORLEY

The A-team

The popularity of alliums has skyrocketed over the past few years, thanks to their regular appearances in the show gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Most varieties flower in late spring to early summer, when their tall stems and spherical flower heads make a striking visual statement. The long-lasting blooms look good even as they fade and form seed heads. And, as they are perennial, most alliums come back year after year.

Colour options

Not all alliums are pinky-purple. Try these:

In May-June, low clumps of golden garlic (Allium moly), bring a burst of bright yellow to the garden. The variety ‘Jeannine’ is ideal for livening up the underskirts of deciduous shrubs and trees.

In June-July, Allium caeruleum delights, with starry blue flowers held aloft on metre-high stems.