Alliums...get'em here!

Alliums are a diverse genus of plants we love for different reasons. This genus includes, onions, garlic, chives, shallots, leeks, asiatic lilies, and the flowering alliums shown here. Above is Allium albopilosum, common name is 'Star of Persia.' This beauty blooms early from May-June. The huge flowerheads are 10" across, and the plant is 14-24" tall.

This tiny headed beauty is Azureum 'Azure Blue.' These flowers are only 1.5" across and bloom in June on 24" stems. A very striking cornflower blue color.

Above is Allium multiblubosum (no common name). I love love this one in bouquets. This awesome flowerhead is 3-4" across on 18-24" stems. On these flowerheads, it is really obvious how they are comprised of tiny flowers in these round clusters.

Above is Allium aflatunense 'Purple Sensation.' Big 4" flowerheads on 24-30" stems. These gorgeous guys bloom May-June. All these types of alliums are like tulips, the foliage dies back and basically dissappears after it's bloom period. Knowing that, they are great to locate in the perennial bed that fills in over the summer - so you won't notice the bald spots in the garden.
These are all fully hardy here and will increase in blooms every year. Unless you are an experienced bulb mover, I would not recommend digging and dividing these, just give the plenty of space to begin with. The best time of year to dig and divide is in the fall, after the foliage is totally gone...so where are they? You will likely find them after your shovel just cut thru them, get my point? =)

Alliums prefer full sun. I have not had rabbits bother these in my area, must be the onion flavor. Plants need little to no care once planted. Earthworks will have all of these and more for sale in May. To see details on the 'follower' gift certificate contest, see my Jan 1st. posting below.