Alliums are a versatile and beautiful addition to any garden, with a wide range of varieties to choose from. These hardy perennials offer stunning, globe-shaped blooms in shades of purple, pink, white, and yellow. But with so many options, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your garden. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best allium varieties to enhance the look of your garden.
From the show-stopping giant alliums to the delicate and charming shorter varieties, there is an allium for every garden style and preference. Whether you’re looking for a dramatic focal point or a subtle accent, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover the best allium varieties for your garden.
#1 Globemaster (Allium ‘Globemaster’)
Source: architecturalplants
Planted for its striking 6-8 inch wide flower heads in a light purple hue, this tall variety of Allium thrives best in full sun and well-draining soil.
#2 Millenium (Allium ‘Millenium’)
Source: whiteflowerfarm
With its light purple blooms of 2-3 inch wide heads that gracefully rise above a mound of shiny green leaves, this variety is known for its long flowering period in late summer. It makes a perfect addition to cottage gardens and mixed borders.
#3 Drumstick (Allium sphaerocephalon)
Source: jparkers
This Allium variety is commonly referred to as round-headed garlic. It produces a tight cluster of rose-purple florets contained in egg-shaped, red-purple flower heads. It thrives in open woodland areas, rock gardens, containers, as well as beds and borders, especially when planted in large groups.
#4 Purple Sensation (Allium hollandicum ‘Purple Sensation’)
Source: edenbrothers
Grow ‘Purple Sensation’ Allium for its impressive 4-5 inch wide purple-violet flower heads on tall 24-30 inch stalks. It thrives in well-draining soil under full sun to partial shade.
#5 Mount Everest (Allium ‘Mount Everest’)
Source: dutchgrown
“Featuring large, 5-6 inch wide heads of bright white blooms on tall stalks, the Allium variety known as ‘Mount Everest’ is best planted in groups of at least 10-15 bulbs for a striking visual display. It pairs well with other tall flowers such as peonies, delphiniums, and irises.”
#6 German Garlic (Allium Senescens)
Source: hayloft
By displaying lovely lilac-purple blooms and grassy leaves, this ornamental onion is a perfect addition to rock gardens and also attracts beautiful butterflies and hummingbirds
#7 Gladiator (Allium ‘Gladiator’)
Source: pumpkinbeth
Gladiator bears deep purple flowers and striking blueberry-colored centers, so it is one of the most beautiful varieties on this list. Growing it for flower beds and borders to have a stunning look.
#8 Pink Lily Leek (Allium oreophilum)
Source: americanmeadows
This type of short Allium produces charming magenta florets that create loose flower heads, to form beautiful scenery when grown in masses. It grows best in full sun and well-draining soil.
#9 Sicilian Honey Garlic (Nectaroscordum siculum)
Source: coolings
While not a true Allium, this closely related variety is often marketed as one and produces attractive bell-shaped blooms with red-purple accents. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.
#10 Turkistan Onion (Allium karataviense)
Source: americanmeadows
The plant’s foliage is equally stunning as its blossoms, making it a great choice for grouping in window boxes, containers, rock gardens, and the front of borders.
#11 Moly (Allium ‘Moly’)
Source: edimentals
This Allium, also called lily leek, is cherished for its yellow blooms that emerge from late spring to mid-summer. It thrives in well-draining soil and prefers full sun to partial shade.
#12 Giant Onion (Allium giganteum)
Source: bulbblog
Named for its striking, large globe of tiny purple-blue florets, this allium is an excellent choice for a long-lasting backdrop plant in the garden.
#13 Three-Cornered Leek (Allium triquetrum)
Source: totallywilduk
In spring, this plant produces elegant white flowers that hang from its triangular stems, giving it its common name. It’s a great addition to vegetable gardens, where it can be planted alongside carrots, roses, chamomile, and beets.
#14 Blue Allium (Allium caeruleum)
Source: blogspot
One to consider is this small and showy onion that boasts a 1-2 inch ball-like cluster of sky-blue flowers. It adds a wonderful touch to beds, borders, meadows, and rock gardens, and thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.
#15 Ornamental Onion (Allium atropurpureum)
Source: thehighline
This Allium variety is among the most beautiful on the list, showcasing deep purple flowers with blueberry-like centers that make a striking statement in flower beds and borders. It pairs particularly well with ‘Gladiator’ for a dazzling display.
#16 Star of Persia (Allium cristophii)
Source: gee-tee
One flower head of Star of Persia produces an astonishing 90-100 individual small blooms, with each light purple blossom capable of reaching a diameter of 10-12 inches.
