Allium nigrum

Description

With its semi-globe shaped flowerheads packed full of dozends of tiny cream flowers, each with a green centre, allium nigrum is a gorgeous variety, and a refreshing change to the more common purple alliums.
This is a compact allium, only reaching 40 cm (16 in) tall, making it ideal for growing in pots or towards the front of borders. Its strappy leaves for in clump just above ground level, leaving the flower stems to stand alone, enhancing the beauty of the flowers. Recommended by the RHS as a 'Plant for Pollinators' the flowers are produced throughout May and June and are a favourite with butterflies and bees.
The flowerheads gradually turn to seed, but maintain their shape, looking amazing if left on the plant over the winter, and Alliums look great as cut flowers, whether still in bloom or as dried seed heads – you can even spray them white or purple to bring back the flower colour.
Preferring a sunny location, alliums are not too fussy about soil type and will grow well, naturalising and multiplying over the years. Clumps can be dug up and split every few years to stop them becoming congested.
Supplied as 10 bulbs, size 10/12, ready to plant in autumn, growing to a height of 40 cm (16 in) and width of 10 cm (4 in).