Alliums Gaining Garden Momentum

Allium chistophii

Allium giganteum flower head

One great plant whose time has truly come is our favorite of the onion family (Alliaceae), the Allium or ornamental onion. The last few years, but more significantly this year, has shown a dramatic increase in landscape architects, contractors and individual home owners choosing to plant alliums. Not surprising since they have proven to be spectacular attention getters when they bloom in late spring into early summer. I often explain in my bulb talks how they fill a need for color in the garden from May to June, when the early spring bloomers are finished and the summer bloomers have barely started. The individual strength and stature of the taller varieties is amazing. Four foot tall plants that can take a 30-40 mph wind and not break in half. They have proven their value since some of the more hybridized varieties can be a little pricey. Perhaps because of their ability to return year after year with equal vigor, not to mention their ability to perform even after the flower has dried. One Garden Center even had someone go out and spray paint the dried flower heads, causing quite a stir. Everyone wanted to know what those brightly colored flowers were. Here are a few pictures from my garden of allium christophii and giganteum.

giganteum and christophii

Royal Garden Party and Wisely

Still one of my favorite blends in our Fall Blend program, Royal Garden party was introduced in Fall 2008. One reason I am so partial to it is where I first saw it, the Royal Horticultural Garden Wisley in Surry England, UK. Among all the beautiful sights, this blend caught my eye from about 50 yards away (or should I say meters). The striking orange and purpley color combo of the double tulip 'Orange Princess' and the tall singular tulip 'Blue Ribbon' is set off even further by the unusual blue gray foliage of the 'Orange Princess'. I have included a few photos that I took back in spring of 2007. I also wish I coud have gone back in a few weeks to see the Gunnera all grown out, that must have been a sight. I should have taken a picture of the "Bangers and Mash", talk about comfort food, if you're ever there don't pass them up.