Alliums are striking ornamental plants known for their round, globe-shaped flowers that rise above garden beds on tall stems. They are easy to grow, low-maintenance, and add strong structure and height to backyard gardens.
Most alliums bloom in late spring to early summer and are planted as bulbs in the fall. From towering statement varieties to smaller, delicate blooms, these are the most popular alliums to grow in your backyard.
1. Allium giganteum
Allium giganteum is one of the tallest alliums, producing large purple flower balls held high on sturdy stems. It blooms in late spring to early summer and adds dramatic height to garden beds. This variety prefers full sun and well-drained soil and looks best planted in groups.
2. Allium ‘Globemaster’
Globemaster is a popular hybrid known for its perfectly round, dense purple flower heads. The blooms are long-lasting and make excellent dried flowers. This variety grows well in full sun and works beautifully as a focal point in perennial borders.
3. Allium ‘Purple Sensation’
Purple Sensation is a classic allium variety with bright violet blooms and a medium height. It blooms earlier than many larger alliums and pairs well with spring bulbs and early perennials. This variety is easy to grow and very reliable in sunny garden beds.
4. Allium christophii (Star of Persia)
Star of Persia alliums have large, airy flower heads made up of star-shaped purple florets. They add texture and visual interest even after blooming, as the dried seed heads remain attractive. This variety prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
5. Allium schubertii
Allium schubertii is known for its unique, firework-like flower shape. The blooms spread outward in a dramatic, artistic form and are often used as statement plants. This variety works best in sunny areas where its unusual shape can be fully appreciated.
6. Allium ‘Mount Everest’
Mount Everest alliums produce large, pure white globe-shaped flowers that stand out beautifully in the garden. They bloom in late spring and add a clean, elegant look to garden beds. This variety prefers full sun and well-drained soil and pairs well with colorful perennials.
7. Drumstick Allium (Allium sphaerocephalon)
Drumstick alliums have small, egg-shaped flower heads that change color from green to deep purple as they mature. They bloom in early summer and add movement and texture to garden beds. This variety is easy to grow and works well in mixed plantings.
8. Allium ‘Millenium’
Millenium alliums are compact, clump-forming plants with rosy-purple blooms. They bloom in mid to late summer, later than many bulb alliums. This variety is drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly, and great for borders and smaller gardens.
9. Allium caeruleum (Blue Allium)
Blue alliums produce bright sky-blue flower clusters that add a pop of color to spring gardens. They bloom in late spring and stay relatively short. This variety is ideal for the front of borders and rock gardens.
10. Allium moly (Golden Allium)
Golden alliums feature cheerful yellow star-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring. They are low-growing and spread gently over time. This variety is perfect for edging, rock gardens, and naturalized plantings.
11. Allium ‘Ambassador’
Ambassador alliums are known for their massive, deep purple flower heads that can reach up to 10 inches across. They bloom in early summer and stand tall above surrounding plants. This variety makes a bold focal point in sunny garden beds.
12. Allium ‘Graceful Beauty’
Graceful Beauty alliums produce delicate white blooms with pink stamens on slender stems. They have a softer, more airy look compared to large globe alliums. This variety blooms in early summer and works well in borders and cottage-style gardens.
13. Allium unifolium
Allium unifolium features clusters of soft pink flowers and has a more relaxed, natural appearance. It blooms in late spring and spreads gently over time. This variety is excellent for naturalized gardens and pollinator-friendly spaces.
14. Allium ‘Summer Beauty’
Summer Beauty alliums are compact plants with lavender-pink blooms that appear in early to mid-summer. They are long-blooming and very low maintenance. This variety is perfect for borders, containers, and smaller backyard gardens.
15. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Chives are a culinary allium that also produces attractive purple pom-pom flowers in spring. They are easy to grow, edible, and pollinator-friendly. This variety works well in herb gardens, borders, and containers.
