Allium cernuum

Allium cernuum –  also known as the Nodding Onion. This Allium is a pretty little thing, having dozens of soft pinky-lilac umbels drooping from a long stem.

Alliums are a perennial garden favourite – bees and other pollinators love them. Allium bulbs are easy to grow, 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 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 look after 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 bulb for the following season. You can lift allium bulbs if you choose, but you don’t have to, they are hardy and don’t need any special care over winter. 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.