Allium atropurpureum

Allium Atropurpureum – the name Atropurpureum comes from Latin meaning dark purple. Allium Atropurpureum is dark blackberry wine red; almost black; and the florets make loosely formed; half globes about 5cm across on 60cm stems. The colour is a good accent echoing the foliage of many other plants such as Sambucus nigra; some Heuchera and dark leaved Dahlia.

The blooms are long lasting with a pleasant fragrance and perfect for cutting. If you’re interested in attracting bees and butterflies; this plant is a delight; and you’ll be pleased to note that, like all allium bulbs, squirrels are not keen on them.

Alliums are a perennial garden favourite and bees and other pollinators love them. Allium bulbs are easy to grow and undemanding, with a great diversity of sizes, colours, textures, heights and bloom times, giving any garden long-lasting colour from early through to late Summer, followed by attractive seedheads.

Allium bulbs are tough perennials, they are related to onions, shallots and garlic and sometimes referred to as Ornamental Onions. They are hardy and easy to grow, with tall elegant stems that don’t overcrowd an area, making them a versatile addition to any garden.

Where do I plant Allium bulbs?

Allium bulbs are remarkably tough, drought-resistant, they grow best in full sun in borders.
They can be clumped together for blocks of colour, mixed in with other plants and flowers to add depth and texture.

Plant in mid-Autumn in well-composted, free-draining soil that is slightly acidic, in holes about 2 to 3 times as deep as the bulb is high. Water regularly during dry spells but take care not to over-water as this may cause the bulbs to rot.

Avoid planting allium bulbs in areas that are regularly cultivated as it is easy to damage them when digging.

How do I maintain Alliums?

After flowering, you can remove the deadheads, but you don’t have to as they still look attractive. Leave as many leaves as possible to produce food for the following season. You can leave allium bulbs in the ground, they are hardy and don’t need any special care over winter, but you can lift the bulbs if you choose. Alliums are fairly slow to multiply, any offset bulbs should be replanted immediately, although it may take a couple of years for these to mature enough to flower.