We're offering you a 15 or 30 Allium Purple Sensation Bulbs for £6.99, saving you up to 42% off Thompson and Morgan's's price of £11.99 (correct as of 26.08.2025).

Add Bold Colour with Allium 'Purple Sensation'

Transform your garden with the regal Allium 'Purple Sensation', a perennial favourite among gardeners for its dramatic, globe-shaped blooms. This variety belongs to the onion family (Alliaceae) and is celebrated for its tall stems topped with dense clusters of lilac-purple flowers, each reaching up to 15cm in diameter. Flowering after tulips from mid-May onwards, these alliums create a show-stopping display through late spring into early summer.

Plant Benefits & Growth Habits

• Drought Tolerance: Once established, these alliums cope well with dry spells, making them perfect for low-maintenance planting schemes.
• Mature Size: Expect plants to reach around 90cm in height and spread up to 30cm, adding height and texture to borders.
• Pest Resistance: Their onion-scented foliage naturally deters many common garden pests.
• Wildlife Friendly: The nectar-rich flowers are loved by bees and other pollinators.

Growing Guide & Care Instructions

• Planting Time: Plant bulbs in autumn (September–November) before the ground freezes.
• Site: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil; avoid waterlogged areas.
• Soil Preference: Alliums prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soils but tolerate a range of soil types if drainage is good.
• Caring Tips: Water in after planting; once established, they need little watering except in prolonged drought. Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering to feed next year's growth.
• Hardiness: Hardy throughout the UK (RHS H5/USDA zones 4–8).

Design & Companion Planting Ideas

• Create impact by planting in groups or drifts for a sea of purple spheres.
• Combine with perennials like Nepeta (catmint), Salvia, or ornamental grasses for layered interest.
• Add structure to mixed borders or containers—ideal for contemporary or cottage-style gardens.

FAQs

• When is the best time to plant Allium bulbs?
  The best time is autumn (September–November), before the ground becomes too hard or wet.
• How long do they take to flower?
  Buds emerge after tulips, typically blooming from mid-May through June in their first spring after planting.
• Do I need to lift the bulbs each year?
  No—leave them in place. Alliums are hardy perennials and will return reliably each year if planted in well-drained soil.