Allium Murrayanum

This decorative bloomer is easy to grow care for. The gorgeous, open heads of purple, papery flowers last an age and are great for cutting. The flowers of Allium Murrayanum are gorgeous in a vase and will last up to two weeks, but if you can resist picking them, they will grow to form decorative seed heads that last through summer into autumn. There are up to 20 florets on each stem, they grow to around 6cm across on 15-30cm stems. They are edible and great for jazzing up salads.

Alliums are a great choice for water conscious gardeners who love their flowers.

Allium Murrayanum have the best impact when they are planted closely in drifts, rather than spaced out, which can create a sparse show. The strappy foliage emerges early spring and is all but gone as the flowers bloom.

Alliums are tough, hardy, and beautiful too! They are members of the onion family and when the foliage is bruised, or crushed it smells just like onions.

Plant Allium Murrayanum into well drained soil in a sunny position. The soil drainage is important as the bulbs rot easily if left in bog. Adding some lime and compost to the soil will give them a good start in the garden.

Plant to a depth of around 7cm, or twice the diameter of the bulb. Once planted, Allium Murrayanum bulbs are best left to naturalise. This means you can relax and leave them in the ground year after year and just enjoy flowers as they rise each season and the bulbs multiply at a steady rate below the soil. To help them on the way, add a well balanced fertiliser in summer with the foliage. Don’t forget to mark their position (we use wooden kebab sticks just out of the ground) as you don’t want to put a spade through one!

Our Tip: Plant amongst summer perennials that emerge to keep the foliage hidden. As with most Alliums, the leaves begin yellow just as the blooms are taking off. It is also a good idea to protect the new foliage from slugs and snails (it emerges in spring).