Allium Bulbs

How to choose Allium bulbs

Allium flowers have made a swift rise to fame over the past couple of decades. They’re a staple of every stately home and on every gardener's wish list. These magnificent bulbs burst onto the scene in May and June, filling your early borders with structure and sophistication. With their giant purple globes and delicate white clusters, they also make excellent cut flowers. Learn how to grow Alliums from the Suttons experts on our blog.

Which Alliums are best for pots and containers? 

For container gardening, choose shorter, more compact varieties that won't become top-heavy. Allium ‘Christophii’ is an excellent choice. The charming pink Allium carolinianum 'Rosy Dream' and the low-growing Allium nevskianum also perform exceptionally well in pots.

Which Allium variety is best for attracting bees and pollinators? 

Alliums are a magnet for bees. To create a pollinator-friendly display, the classic Allium 'Purple Sensation' is a superb choice. The popular drumstick Allium sphaerocephalon is also a firm favourite with bees, and the large, starry flower heads of Allium christophii provide a valuable source of nectar.

Which Allium is best for a tall, dramatic display? 

To create stunning height and structure at the back of a border, giant Alliums are essential. Allium 'Globemaster' is world-renowned for its enormous purple spheres on tall, sturdy stems. For an equally impressive white alternative, choose Allium stipitatum 'White Giant' or 'Mount Everest'.

Which Allium varieties are best for a white-themed garden? 

For an elegant and contemporary white scheme, Allium stipitatum 'Mount Everest' provides beautiful, large white globes on tall stems. For a spectacular 'exploding firework' effect, Allium schubertii 'Arctic Snow' is a great choice, while Allium amplectens 'Graceful Beauty' produces more delicate clusters of white flowers.

Which Alliums do well in the front of a border? 

When planting at the front of a border, select shorter varieties with attractive foliage. Allium ‘Christophii' is an excellent option with its giant, star-like flower heads. Their foliage does tend to fade before the flowers open, so for the best result, plant them behind a low-growing perennial like a hardy Geranium or Alchemilla mollis, which will grow up to hide the leaves, allowing the spectacular Allium heads to emerge through them.

Which Allium is best for cutting and indoor flower arrangements? 

Many Allium varieties are fantastic cut flowers, both fresh and dried. The classic shape and strong stem of Allium 'Purple Sensation' make it a florist's favourite. For a unique and contemporary arrangement, the quirky Allium 'Hair' and the architectural Nectaroscordum siculum add incredible texture and interest.

Which Allium is best for an unusual look?

Allium ‘Hair’ produces a small, purple flowerhead topped with wild, green tendrils, and the twisting flower stems of Allium scorodoprasum 'Art' create a beautiful sculptural effect. Both create quirky, interesting looks in your garden!

How to get the best value for a mass Allium planting

For planting in large drifts or filling a new garden bed, our curated collections offer the most cost-effective solution. The Allium Bumper Pack and the 101 Allium Collection provide a wonderful mix of shapes, sizes, and colours, ensuring a diverse and impactful display for a fraction of the cost of buying individual varieties.