Q A few years ago, I planted a few bulbs of a tall, purple-flowered allium. At first, they did well, but now all I’m getting is leaves but no flowers. Everything has yellowed and died back now. How can I get them to bloom again? Margaret Childs, Kettering, Northants.
A There are 700 species of allium, mainly from dry, hilly regions of the northern hemisphere. The lovely durable Allium christophii, for instance, comes from Turkey and central Asia.
A number of species and many cultivars make popular garden plants, especially those with spherical heads of purple or white flowers sitting atop tall, sturdy stems. Now is a great time to order bulbs for planting in autumn and flowering next May and June. They are especially effective threaded through borders in waves.
This story is from the July 11, 2020 edition of Amateur Gardening.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 11, 2020 edition of Amateur Gardening.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters
