Allium sphaerocephalon

Also Known As

Allium sphaerocephalum
Ball-headed Onion
Drumstick Allium
Ornamental Onion
Purple-headed Garlick
Round-headed Leek
Round-headed Onion

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 20"-30"
W: 3"-12"

planting zones

4a-9b

More Options

Allium sphaerocephalon plant details

Allium sphaerocephalon is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In summer burgundy and purple flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Allium sphaerocephalon

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: amaryllidaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 IN - 12 IN - wide, 20 IN - 30 IN - tall
Flowers: burgundy and purple blooms in summer
Uses: award-winning, border plant, container plant, cutting garden, rock garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Allium sphaerocephalon

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Ornamental onions offer intriguing spherical or egg-shaped inflorescences comprised of hundreds of tiny flowers. Allium sphaerocephalon has two inch wide oval flower heads, green in bud, slowly turning a deep maroon and then deep pink as they mature, giving a wonderful two-tone effect to the flower head. From western Europe. Blooms in early summer.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Egg-shaped and horizontally banded in wine red and green, this fun allium grows almost anywhere in the country. Plant for the effect of dozens of wine dots swaying in the garden, and for adding texture, form and color to spring bouquets. As a bonus - these bulbs are also inexpensive.

By: Leafari

Arising from narrow grassy leaves, the tall and upright, slender stems present sumptuous thickset globes in blazon crimson-purple hues. An intriguing bicolor effect is created as green buds slowly open from the bottom up. Prized by bumblebees, the long lasting, 2 in. wide blooms assure a breathtaking summer spectacle en masse with swaths of Echinops 'Blue Glow' and Monarda 'Violet Queen' interspersed.

By: Digging Dog Nursery

In America's first bulb catalog in 1820, William Prince listed just one allium: "purple headed-garlick." Often called "drumsticks" today, this easy, deer-resistant perennial has 1-inch, egg-shaped flowerheads that start green, turn rose, and end up wine-red. Cool! 30-36", zones 4a-7b(9bWC)

By: Old House Gardens

Often called 'drumstick allium', this dark purple/maroon, tightly formed flower is a super perennial and looks great with just about everything in the boarder. Great for the southern US (good in the north too). Plant around rose bushes to repel pests. Blooms early summer. Zones 4-9. Standard size, 4 + cm round bulbs. They can get a little bigger, but they cost a lot more and grow about the same.