Allium caeruleum 12 bulbs

A refreshingly different ornamental onion, Allium caeruleum produces neat, compact globes of true cornflower-blue flowers — a rare and much sought-after colour in the allium family. Held on slender, upright stems above narrow, strap-like leaves, the small but dense flowerheads appear in early summer, adding a wash of clear blue to borders, gravel gardens and prairie-style planting schemes, and are a magnet for bees and butterflies.

Reaching around 60-80cm in height, this variety is best planted in autumn, 10cm deep, in well-drained soil in full sun. It prefers drier conditions and can be prone to rotting in heavy, waterlogged ground, so improve clay soils with grit before planting. As with other alliums, the foliage and flowers carry a distinct onion scent when bruised.