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Allium sphaerocephalon (Drumstick allium, Round-headed garlic)

Allium sphaerocephalon Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

(Based on 1 user review)

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name:Allium sphaerocephalon AL-ee-um sfay-roe-SEF-ah-lon Common Name: Drumstick allium, Round-headed garlic Genus: Allium
The drumstick allium has egg-shaped flowers in summer that start off green, then bloom and develop to pink and then clover red-purple. These plants are attractive in a bed or border, especially peeking up through other plants, such as roses, so that their nondescript foliage is hidden. Their vertical presence and eye-catching flower shape are valuable additions to the garden, and they naturalize freely.
 Noteworthy characteristics: The charming purple-red drumsticks bloom in midsummer and then fade as summer wears on.
 Care: Plant 2 to 4 inches deep in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun in autumn.
 Propagation: From seed, sow in containers in a cold frame when ripe or in spring. Some Allium take two years to germinate. Remove offsets in fall.
 Problems: Bulb rots in damp conditions. White rot, mildew, rust, smut, and various fungal leaf spots can occur. Onion fly and thrips are also possibilities.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Summer
Flower Color Purple/ Lavender Flower; Red Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Naturalizing
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest
Type Bulbs,Perennials

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