Allium Sphaerocephalon ‘Drumsticks’

An ever-so unique summer-flowering allium, ready to make a splash in any garden. Rather than flowering in a familiar globe shape, dozens of green buds form drumstick-shaped flowerheads that slowly darken to magenta.

Flowering in July and August with low-growing foliage, the long straight stems of ‘Drumstick’, look stunning planted with other summertime beauties. Preferring a sunny location, alliums are not fussy about soil type and will grow well, naturalising and multiplying over the years. Clumps can be dug up and split every few years to stop them becoming congested.

This award-winning variety boasts the coveted RHS Award of Garden Merit, as well as being recommended as a Plant for Pollinators.

Supplied as 100 bulbs, size 4/5, ready to plant in autumn.

Top Tips

Underplant with hostas, ferns or other low-growing, hardy perennial plants which will help to disguise the leaves as they fade.

Care Guide

Planting Advice for Alliums

• Find a location where the soil drains well and where they will receive full sun.
• Plant allium bulbs in early to mid-autumn in a sheltered site to prevent the top-heavy flower spikes from getting blown over.
• Dig over the soil and remove any weeds before planting.
• Water well after planting, saturating the soil around the bulbs. Once established, alliums are drought tolerant.
• In borders, plant bulbs in early autumn at a depth of about four times the diameter of the bulbs.
• In containers, alliums will do well in deep pots with a good general-purpose potting compost with a handful of horticultural grit added. 

Aftercare Advice for Alliums

• After planting, feed with a general-purpose feed such as our Blooming Fast Superior Soluble Fertiliser.
• Dried flower heads can be removed and made into indoor decorations or left on the plants to self-seed.
• Divide alliums every three to four years or when the plants begin to look overcrowded and blooming decreases.
• Lift the bulbs with a garden fork or spade and pull the bulbs apart.
• Replant some in the original location and plant the remainder in a new location. 

Pruning and Trimming Advice for Alliums

• The leaves die down at flowering time, so it?s best to plant alliums where this foliage is masked by that of other plants.
• Avoid removing them while still green, as they provide the bulbs with energy for the following season.