A type of ornamental onion, also known as round-headed leek, drumstick allium (Allium sphaerocephalon) is appreciated for the egg-shaped blooms that appear in early summer. Hollow, grayish green foliage provides a lovely contrast to the pink to rosy-purple drumstick allium flowers. Drumstick allium plants are suitable for growing USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 8.
How to Plant Drumstick Allium Bulbs
At heights of 24 to 36 inches (61-91 cm.), drumstick allium plants are difficult to miss. Showy drumstick allium flowers add beauty to sunny beds, borders, wildflower gardens, and rock gardens, or you can plant them in a mixed garden with tulips, daffodils, and other spring bloomers. You can also plant drumstick allium bulbs in containers. The long, sturdy stems make drumstick allium flowers ideal for cut flower arrangements. Plant drumstick allium bulbs in spring or fall in sandy, well-drained soil that has been amended with compost or organic matter. Drumstick allium plants require full sunlight Avoid damp, poorly drained locations because the bulbs are likely to rot. Plant the bulbs at a depth of 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm.). Allow 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) between bulbs.
Drumstick Allium Care
Growing drumstick alliums is easy. Water the plants regularly during the growing season, then let the foliage go dry after blooming ends in late summer or early autumn. Allow the leaves to die down to the ground. Drumstick allium flowers self-seed readily, so deadhead spent blooms if you want to prevent rampant spread. If the clumps are overcrowded, dig and divide the bulbs after the foliage dies down. If you live in a climate north of zone 4, dig the bulbs and store them for the winter. Alternatively, grow drumstick allium plants in containers and store the containers in a freeze-free location until spring. That's it! Growing drumstick alliums is just that simple and will add an extra touch of interest to the garden.
-
Foraging Flowers: How To Forage Floral Plants – And Which Flowers You Can Pick For Free Edibles!It’s fun to forage flowers, but it’s important to know the rules. Avoid areas that have been sprayed, beware of imposters and take only what you need.
-
9 Contemporary Small Garden Ideas – Maximize Style With A Modern DesignSome simple conceptual ideas can transform even the tiniest plot from humdrum to dream design. Try these 9 contemporary small garden ideas to modernize your plot
-
Controlling Allium Plants & How To Manage Flowering OnionsIf ornamental alliums are so practical and attractive, how could there be any problems with ornamental alliums in the garden? Not all allium varieties are well-behaved. Some become weeds that are nearly impossible to get rid of. Learn more in this article.
-
Sclerotium On Alliums – How To Manage Allium White Rot SymptomsAllium white rot should be monitored, as it can result in complete loss of allium plants. Learn more about what causes white rot and its control here.
-
Allium Moly Care – Learn How To Grow Golden Garlic AlliumsGolden garlic, also called moly garlic, is an allium bulb plant that offers bright, long-lasting yellow flowers on tall stalks. For more allium moly information, plus tips on how to grow golden garlic, click on the following article.
-
Nodding Pink Onions – How To Grow Nodding Onions In Your GardenIf you love wildflowers, try growing a nodding pink onion. What’s a nodding pink onion? Well, its descriptive name gives more than just a hint but you can click on this article to learn how to grow nodding onions and about nodding onion care.
-
Allium Plant Pests: Learn About Allium Leaf Miner ControlAllium leaf miners were first detected in the Western Hemisphere in December of 2016. Since then they've become a serious pest of onions and other alliums in Canada and the Eastern U.S. Find out about detecting and treating allium leaf miners in this article.
-
Allium Post Bloom Care: Caring For Allium Bulbs Once Flowering Is OverAlliums are usually exclusively grown for their flowers. But what do you do with your allium once it's finished flowering? Learn more about how to care for alliums after blooming in this article so you can enjoy their beauty as long as possible.
-
What Are Prairie Onions: Information On Allium Stellatum WildflowersPrairie onions are a member of the Allium family. Wild prairie onions are edible and in the garden add a natural grace. Get some growing and care information for wild prairie onions in this article.
-
Allium Plant - How To Grow Alliums In Your Flower GardenAllium plant is related to the garden onion, but don't let this deter you from planting it. In fact, minimal allium care and a show of large blooms are just a couple of reasons to include them. Get more info here.
