In the world of ornamental gardening, few plants combine drama, structure, and pollinator power quite like Alliums. Known for their spherical flower heads and striking vertical presence, these bulbous beauties are cherished by landscape designers across Europe.
And when it comes to sourcing high-quality, unique varieties, DutchGrown.co.uk is a go-to destination.
What Makes Alliums So Special?
Alliums are part of the onion family, but their visual appeal is worlds away from the kitchen. Their globe-shaped blooms, which hover on tall, upright stems, create a strong architectural element in borders and beds.
- Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
- Best use: Vertical accents, naturalistic plantings, modern garden designs
- Added bonus: Loved by bees and butterflies, but avoided by deer and rabbits
Structure Meets Elegance
For designers, Alliums offer a unique combination: strong form and graceful movement. They can unify a garden design by rising above surrounding plants without overwhelming them. Their slow fade from bloom to seed head also extends their visual impact well into summer.
DutchGrown’s Most Loved Allium Varieties
DutchGrown’s curated collections offer not just classics, but also rare varieties that add distinction to any landscape. Here are a few standout favourites.
Allium ‘Globemaster’
A favourite for formal and contemporary gardens, ‘Globemaster’ boasts giant purple flower heads up to 20 cm wide on sturdy 90 cm stems. They’re long-lasting and produce dramatic seed heads even after blooming.
- Design tip: Plant in groups of 3–5 for maximum impact near borders or paths.
Allium ‘Purple Sensation’
One of the most versatile varieties, ‘Purple Sensation’ offers dense violet heads that bridge the gap between late spring tulips and early summer perennials.
- Height: Approx. 80 cm
- Ideal for: Mass planting and naturalistic styles
Allium ‘Mount Everest’
For a striking contrast, ‘Mount Everest’ delivers pure white, globe-shaped blooms. Its pristine appearance works well in minimalist, monochrome, or moon gardens.
- Pair with: Nepeta, ornamental grasses, or Salvia for contrast in colour and texture.
Allium ‘Summer Drummer’
This lesser-known gem blooms later than most—often into July—and reaches impressive heights of up to 1.5 meters. Its tight, bi-coloured flower heads are eye-catching and excellent for back-of-border drama.
- Use in: Tall borders, layered planting schemes, or as a seasonal focal point
Allium Collections: DutchGrown’s Exclusive Sets
For those who want variety without overthinking combinations, DutchGrown offers custom allium collections like:
- ‘Ice and Sky Collection’ – cool-toned mix of blue and white varieties
- ‘Tropical Tides Collection’ – bold purples and exotic shapes
- Allium Moly & Azureum Mix – compact, pollinator-friendly mix for smaller gardens
Each collection is designed to provide coordinated colour waves and height diversity, making professional-level garden design more accessible.
Planting & Care Tips
- Planting time: Autumn, before first frost
- Depth: 10–15 cm deep, in well-drained soil
- Sunlight: Full sun preferred
- Spacing: Leave enough room between bulbs for full head development
Pro tip: Combine early-, mid-, and late-flowering alliums for an extended show from May through July.
Why Landscape Designers Trust DutchGrown
DutchGrown works directly with Dutch growers who specialise in large, healthy bulbs that consistently deliver bold blooms and strong stems. For professional designers, reliability is everything—and DutchGrown delivers on that promise with:
- Top-grade bulbs with excellent germination rates
- Exclusive collections curated for performance and beauty
- Fast shipping and responsive service within the UK
More Than a Flower — A Statement
In garden design, the right plants can transform a space—and Alliums from DutchGrown do just that. Whether you’re crafting a serene courtyard, a cottage border, or a contemporary garden with sculptural flair, these rare gems are a versatile and unforgettable addition.
Elevate your garden design this season with DutchGrown’s Allium collections—and bring height, harmony, and a touch of the extraordinary to your landscape.
