These tall alliums turn heads: ‘Globemaster,’ meadow-friendly round-headed allium, plus 10 more
Tall allium varieties create a striking display in perennial beds, containers, and natural meadows. Different species and varieties keep your garden blooming from early June to August.
1. Schubert's allium
Allium schubertii. The female flowers stand lower than the male ones, and the varied lengths of the flower stalks create a sparkler-like effect. This somewhat sensitive species benefits from winter protection, and it’s also good for drying. Blooms in June, height 40–50 cm (16–20 in).
2. Lopsided onion
A. obliquum. It has a wonderfully wild look and pairs well with tall ornamental grasses. Once the bloom sets seed, the stem bends to the ground, and seedlings emerge in small clumps. Blooms in June–July, height 60–100 cm (24–39 in).
3. Dutch garlic ‘Purple Sensation’
A. hollandicum. Its vivid purple blooms fade into decorative green seed heads on top of the stems. Remove some stems to keep seedlings in check. Blooms in May–June, height 60–80 cm (24–31.5 in).
4. Allium ‘Caméleon’
A. trifoliatum. This rarely grown species suits romantic gardens. Its petals shift in color from white to soft pale pink, then become a brighter pink. Also fits nicely in containers. Blooms in June–July, height 40–50 cm (16–20 in).
5. Round-headed leek
A. sphaerocephalon. Its scientific name means “round-headed,” which perfectly describes its look. The tightly packed, brightly colored spherical blooms work well in meadows, perennial beds, and floral arrangements. Blooms in July, height 40–50 cm (16–20 in).
6. Very-dark purple allium
A. atropurpureum. This variety stands out with a dramatic hue and a slightly conical flower head. It thrives in full sun and works well among perennials in cottage-garden style plantings. Blooms in June, height 50–70 cm (20–28 in).
7. Chinese chives
A. tuberosum. Originally from Asia and popular in local cuisines, this species suits both edible and ornamental gardens. Its flat leaves have a mild garlic flavor. Blooms in July–August, height 20–50 cm (8–20 in).
8. Allium ‘Globemaster’
Allium hybrid. Well-known for its exceptionally large flower head, it’s often sold under the name giant allium. ’Gladiator’ is a similar variety. Blooms in June, height 80 cm (31.5 in).
9. Black garlic
A. nigrum. Its dark-sounding name comes from the ovary at the flower’s center, which turns black as the seeds mature. Unlike many other alliums, it has a notably mild scent. Tall stems make it a great cut flower. Blooms in June, height 70 cm (28 in).
10. Blue-flowered allium
A. caeruleum. Its cornflower-blue blossoms meet the color dreams of many Finnish gardeners. As with several other tall alliums, its leaves fade during bloom, so plan your planting accordingly. Blooms in June–July, height 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
11. Keeled garlic
A. carinatum, subsp. pulchellum. With its fountain-like, frilled bloom, it differs from the neat spherical shape of many other alliums. A late-summer bloomer, it’s ideal for natural-style groupings and also works well as a dried flower. Blooms in June–July, height 40–50 cm (16–20 in).
12. Star of Persia
A. cristophii. Long, narrow petals give each flower a light, airy feel despite its sizable head. The coloring also has a slightly hazy look. Blooms in June, height 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
