One of my followers on Twitter stated exactly what happens to me every single year: "Every fall, I swear I'm going to plant more alliums. And every spring, I swear because I didn't plant enough!"
Absolutely. Every May, I fall in love with the beautiful violet orbs that adorn my garden, attracting bees and butterflies. I love the way the blooms almost seem to float in the garden atop their stems. They add height, interest, and a little whimsy to my garden. I love them in combination with the scarlet poppies and light purple irises that bloom at the same time.
If you live in the north, you still have time to plant your alliums (Allium giganteum). Most garden centers carry them, and as long as the ground isn't frozen yet, you can plant them. Plant alliums six to eight inches deep, and about a foot apart, in loose, well-draining soil, in a spot that gets full sun. They are hardy in zones 5 to 10.
What I like about alliums, and why I keep adding more to my garden, is that they really have a long season of interest. The purple or white blossoms are beautiful, and last longer than many other spring bulbs. But, in addition, you get to enjoy their spectacular seedheads after they've finished blooming. Once everything starts turning brown and dry, I cut them back and eagerly anticipate seeing them again next spring. For something that requires very little in the way of maintenance, alliums provide plenty of beauty -- definitely worthwhile plants for your garden.
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