Life

Best of the bunch

Allium (Ornamental onion)

Their lollipop blooms always make a statement in a border, rising above all else to display mainly purple or white globes of flowers. The most majestic is the giant A. giganteum, which grows to 1.2m (4ft) and produces impressive lilac ball-shaped flowers in early summer. The popular A. cristophii has a narrow growth habit which means bulbs can be slotted between other plants in the garden during autumn.

Growing between 30-60cm (1-2ft), they produce round heads 20cm (8in) across on tall stems, packed with starry purple flowers, which eventually fade to green. Alliums will thrive in any well-drained soil in full sun. Clumps should be divided in autumn every three years.

They look great popping up through ornamental grasses or other plants which hide the allium foliage, which starts to die off before the flowers bloom.