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Allium sphaerocephalon

24

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    edited October 2023
    I planted them in various areas of the garden a few years ago, but sadly they were a disappointment.

    Although several appeared over the years l'm now down to around 2 or 3 in each area, and they flop all over the place.

    I do love the colour though  B)
  • Jess91Jess91 Posts: 159
    Thanks everyone. So general concensus seems to be that they can go straight in the ground, but that they will probably flop over 🤣
    I will give them a go then, nothing to lose and the bees will hopefully appreciate them even if they do flop everywhere.
    Slowly building a wildlife garden, in a new build in East Yorkshire.
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    I've started to like them more, once I realised they need to be planted among something relatively low, otherwise they look lost among taller plants. I'm told that planting them deeply (20-30cm) helps them stand up straight.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096


    Thanks everyone. So general concensus seems to be that they can go straight in the ground, but that they will probably flop over

    I should be fine and straight and if planted in full sun

  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    Depends how much rain you get, @Fire.  Here they grow at least to my height (5ft) and flop around, unless growing through fairly solid, tall plants - but this part of Ireland is warm and wet.  And you're right, @Jess91, the bees couldn't care less if they flop.  They really love them.   :)
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited October 2023
    five ft? Wow! Most of mine are about 40cm; They are written up as usually getting to about that height. I would think yours are pretty exceptional, Liri, with very rich soil?


  • Jess91Jess91 Posts: 159
    Right, they are in.
    I've added additional compost and grit, just in case. They are in quite deep so hopefully they'll do well next year. Fingers crossed 🤞 


    Slowly building a wildlife garden, in a new build in East Yorkshire.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yours get bigger than mine @Liriodendron, but your site will be warmer. About 3 feet or a little taller here. They need shrubs or similar to grow through if they don't have a man made support.
    You can put the initial bulbs in deeper @Jess91 but the offshoots won't be as deep, so it won't really matter in the long run. Your conditions will dictate the size too, but they're very easy compared to many alliums.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    Not particularly rich soil, @Fire - I've only ever added compost and it was lawn before I made it into a border.  Just constantly wet and warm...
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    the country of giants! ☺️

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