One of the best and longest lasting bulbs for your drought-tolerant or low maintenance garden.

Last fall, I planted my first allium bulbs in my Piet Oudolf inspired garden bed that I had, just that summer, created, and was eager to fill with all kinds of plants that would survive our increasingly warmer seasons, and still come back the next year bigger and better. I’ve never been a huge bulb fan before - one reason is because its backbreaking work to plant so many to make a true impact in the garden, and two - in Vancouver the squirrels would dig them up and destroy them. Here in the Comox Valley we don’t have squirrel problems but if your gardens aren’t fenced off - deer and rabbits will eat emerging growth.

But alliums… oh boy! They have so much going for them. These are super easy bulbs for beginners. Plant the bulbs, which can be anywhere from marble sized to baseball sized and just sit back. They are surprisingly long lasting and add such structural elegance to the garden. And they’re critter proof to boot.

Alliums are a part of the onion family. Similar to chives, garlic, shallots, etc. If you bruise allium foliage, you will release an onion scent. They’re perennial bulbs and if planted in the right space, they will multiply over time. They deter aphids, slugs and rodents away from the garden. Rabbits and deer, moles and voles will keep away from them as well thanks to the scent.

Alliums are best planted en masse as they make more of a visual impact that way. As a golden garden rule - plant in odd numbers - 3’s, 5’s, 7’s etc.

When planting - dig a hole twice the size of the bulb (or deeper if you do have squirrel problems) and space them about the same size apart. You can mulch the bulb area with leaves too for added protection.

But lets talk about these two particular allium bulbs I’m offering. Drumsticks and Persian Blues. Two beautiful and very different flowers that were outstanding in my garden this spring through early summer. Low maintenace gardening at it’s best!

DRUMSTICK ALLIUMS ~

Drumsticks are medium sized (20-35”) alliums that start out green and turn a beautiful purple/burgundy shade. They have a unique egg shaped flower head that is loved by bees and hummingbirds. Drumsticks bloom early spring through early summer. They require full sun and will tolerate a variety of soils - acidic, clay, loamy and sandy, but do best in well drained soil. They require regular watering and do well in higher temps. Drumsticks will dry as they stand and are still great in the garden when they’re spent. Let them die back naturally so they can store energy for next year’s flowers.

PERSIAN BLUE ALLIUMS ~

Persian Blue alliums bloom late spring through early summer. They’re taller, standing at 33-40 inches and have a round flower head of blue/purple florets. They also attract bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators. They require full sun and well drained soil but will tolerate the acidic, clay, loamy and sandy soils as well. Another great dried flower in the garden bed, they add a lot of visual interest as a dried flower as much as they do when they’re fresh! Average watering. Like the drumsticks, let them die back naturally so they can store energy for next year.

Awesome Alliums

Spring Fling Plant List