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Ornamental onion: Allium Globemaster

In spring 'Globemaster' bears small, star-shaped, violet flowers that form large, ball-like heads, which seem to float above many other perennial flowers. Martha uses these bold, dramatic plants throughout her flower beds as punctuation points.

Profile

Plant typebulb
Hardiness zones4 to 8
Lightfull-sun
Height2 ft. to 3 ft.4 in.
Habitupright
Soil moistureaverage
Bloom timespring
Flower colorviolet
Bloom size10 in. to 10 in.
Foliage colorgray-green

did you know?

Ornamental onions are cousins to such edibles as onions, garlic, chives, and shallots, though few give off any significant onion odor to detract from their beauty; the pungent aroma characteristic of the genus is usually obvious only if you tear a leaf.

general maintenance:

To encourage the plants to store nutrients for next year's bloom rather than produce seeds, deadhead spent flower heads.

how to sow/plant:

Plant in fall, about 6 weeks before the ground freezes. Set bulbs 6?8 inches deep and 6?8 inches apart. There is no need to water or fertilize upon planting.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil moisture all season. If desired, feed with an all-purpose bulb fertilizer as shoots emerge in spring and again after bloom.

garden hint:

Ornamental onions are good news for gardeners who have lost other plants to animals; because of their taste, they are usually left alone by rabbits and deer.

features:

  • Attractive Flowers
  • Attractive Foliage
  • Deer Resistant
  • Fragrant

garden uses:

  • Flowerbed borders

other uses:

  • Cut Flower
  • Everlasting (>)

combine with:

Siberian iris Oriental poppies peonies shasta daisies and perennial geraniums or other late-spring-blooming perennials?like Martha does at Turkey Hill.

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