Allium 'Globemaster'

Allium 'Globemaster': Violet Globes, Zero Seedlings

Deep violet spheres packed with starry florets, so big and round they look like they have their own gravity. 'Globemaster' doesn't hold one globe. It holds the WHOLE PLANET'S ATTENTION.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Allium 'Globemaster'
• Common Name: Ornamental Onion
• Height: 60–90 cm (2–3 ft)
• Spread: 30–45 cm (1–1.5 ft)
• Flowers: Deep violet, round heads 15–25 cm (6–10 in) across, packed with star-shaped florets
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May to June)
• Foliage: Broad, strap-shaped, grey-green basal leaves that fade around bloom time
• Features: Rabbit resistant, long-lasting seed heads, RHS Award of Garden Merit

Where to Plant: Plant it in groups in the middle of a sunny border, or use a single clump as a focal point where you'll walk by often. The heads hold their shape after the colour fades, adding structure into summer. Give it leafy neighbours to hide its yellowing leaves.

Companion Plants: Eryngium 'Blue Hobbit' keeps the front low and spiky with blue flowers from June to August. Leucanthemum Amazing Daisies® 'Banana Cream II' adds soft yellow daisies at 50 to 60 cm, a warm contrast to the violet globes. Delphinium 'Pagan Purples' stands at the back with purple spikes up to 180 cm. Each one grows best in full sun.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Bulbs rot in wet ground, so amend heavy clay or plant on a gentle slope. Water during spring growth and let the soil dry out more in summer. Allow the leaves to die back on their own after flowering. That's how the bulb stores energy for next year. Leave the dried flower heads for interest, or cut them for arrangements. Divide crowded clumps by lifting and separating offsets in late summer or early fall.

History: 'Globemaster' is a Dutch hybrid between two Central Asian species, Allium cristophii and Allium macleanii, and it rarely sets seed. It holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Final Thoughts: The deer and rabbits pass, and even the seed heads look great after bloom. Plant a handful. WORLD DOMINATION, ONE BULB AT A TIME.