Allium sphaerocephalon

Description and Characteristics

Allium sphaerocephalon, commonly known as the Drumstick Allium, is a summer-flowering ornamental onion admired for its slender stems and tight, egg-shaped flower heads. The blooms begin green and gradually mature to a rich deep purple-maroon, resembling drumsticks—hence the common name. These striking flowers add vertical interest, texture, and colour to mixed borders and naturalistic plantings.

This bulbous perennial reaches 60–90 cm in height and 10–15 cm in spread, forming narrow, grassy foliage that dies back by the time the flowers emerge in June to July. The bulbs naturalise easily and multiply over time, making them an excellent long-term addition to sunny borders and meadow-style plantings.

Unlike spring-flowering alliums, sphaerocephalon flowers in midsummer, offering valuable interest and pollinator support when other bulbs are dormant. It is excellent for cutting and works well in fresh and dried arrangements.

• Tall, wiry stems with egg-shaped, dark purple flowers

• Blooms in June–July, often continuing into August

• Height: 60–90 cm; Spread: 10–15 cm

• Foliage is fine, grassy, and disappears before flowering

• Ideal for gravel gardens, prairie borders, cutting gardens, and naturalised drifts

• Excellent for bees and pollinators

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Allium sphaerocephalon is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant bulb that thrives in sunny, well-drained soils. It is best planted in groups or drifts for the most dramatic impact.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun for upright growth and flowering

  • Will tolerate light shade, but flowers may be reduced

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil

  • Tolerates sandy, loamy, or chalky soils

  • Avoid poorly drained, heavy clay soil—add grit if needed

• Watering Needs:

  • Water during dry spells in the first year

  • Once established, drought-tolerant and thrives in dry conditions

  • Do not overwater—bulbs may rot in damp soil

• Planting Depth and Spacing:

  • Plant bulbs in autumn, 10–15 cm deep and 10 cm apart

  • Position in groups for best effect

• Feeding:

  • Not usually required—bulbs store energy well

  • In poor soils, add a small amount of balanced fertiliser in spring

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Deadhead spent blooms if desired or leave seed heads for ornamental effect

  • Cut stems down after flowering if not needed for structure

  • Foliage will die back naturally in early summer—do not remove until it yellows

• Winter Hardiness:

  • Fully hardy in Zones 4–9 (RHS H7)

  • Bulbs can be left in the ground year-round in most regions

Garden Use, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Value

Allium sphaerocephalon is perfect for adding vertical punctuation, contrast, and pollinator interest to sunny borders. Its long-lasting flowers and strong stems suit a wide variety of planting styles.

• Design Applications:

  • Excellent for naturalised plantings, cottage gardens, cutting beds, and gravel or prairie-style designs

  • Adds late bulb interest to spring-faded borders

  • Works well planted in drifts or between perennials and grasses

• Companion Plants:

  • Pair with salvia, echinacea, nepeta, rudbeckia, stipa, or gaura

  • Complements silver and grey foliage like Artemisia or Lavandula

  • Great with other alliums, especially Allium christophii or Allium ‘Millenium’

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Flowers are rich in nectar and highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • A key nectar source in mid- to late summer

  • Adds biodiversity to wildlife-friendly or organic gardens

• Cut and Dried Flower Use:

  • Long-lasting in the vase—cut when half the florets are open

  • Heads also dry beautifully for use in dried flower arrangements

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Rabbit- and deer-resistant

  • Rarely affected by pests or disease

  • Avoid wet soils to prevent bulb rot

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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