Allium Nectaroscordum Bulbs - Sicilum

Tall stems topped with an umbrella of creamy-green, lilac-flushed, bell-shaped blooms followed by unusual shuttlecock-like seed heads. Attractive to pollinators. Flowers May-June. Height 1.2m. Bulb size 10cm+. (Bulb sizes quoted in centimetres refer to the circumference of bulbs. All bulbs are sourced from cultivated stocks.)
 

These hardy perennial 'ornamental onions', which explode into bloom in early summer, are becoming ever more popular for creating dramatic border displays, and for cutting. And even when the initial display is over the dried heads look amazing in the garden or in a vase indoors.

Growing Information

Planting bulbs in groups will produce a colourful spring display. For best results plant your delivery of bulbs as soon as possible, although tulips can benefit from planting in November as this will help to avoid frost damage to early shoot tips in spring. When planting choose an area that is freely drained as bulbs will rot in waterlogged areas. As a general rule for outdoor planting, you should bury the bulb to a depth three times the height of the bulb. Small bulbs can be planted 10-15 cm (4-6") apart and larger bulbs such as daffodils and tulips plant 15-20cm (6-8") apart. If planting in containers, bulbs can be planted closer together but ensure they are not touching each other. Containers that will bloom for months! By planting layers of different bulb varieties your containers could be blooming from February to May! Cover the pot's hole with at least 5cm of small stones or crocks to improve drainage, and use a 50/50 mix of good quality compost and garden soil. Allow just 1cm gap between bulbs and don't allow them to touch the sides of the pot. Provide protection over winter, and move outside when the first green shoots appear in spring.