After a very long winter, it was a pleasant surprise to see the beautiful array of spring flowers blooming in my garden. I had quite a display of daffodils and tulips gracing my gardens this year. In the fall I had planted quite a few varieties, including Tulip Angelique, a beautiful scented tulip that closely resembles a peony with long lasting blooms, Mount Hood, a white trumpet daffodil, and White Lion, a gardenia-like daffodil. All were a sight to see!
Right now the Alliums are putting on a show of their own. Alliums are plants of exquisite beauty. A member of the onion family, they are so graceful with their large mop heads, exotic and unique with their shape and form. They are most interesting, easy to grow, and come in a broad palette of colors, heights, bloom times, and flower forms.
Globemaster and Gladiator are the tallest and most architectural Alliums, with huge deep purple, globe shaped flower heads on 3 to 4 foot stems. The white flowering Mount Everest is a bit shorter. Purple Sensation is one of the most popular varieties. Drumstick Allium blooms in early July and the two toned burgundy-green heads are fantastic.
Ornamental alliums are hardy and love the sunlight; there is only one time of the year to plant them, which is in the fall. I started planting them quite a few years ago and have been adding to them ever since. They are a favorite in my garden and maybe they will also be a favorite of yours!
