These Bristol onions, Allium sphaerocephalon, have been threatening to flower for weeks. When they unwrap themselves, the flower buds are still resolutely green. And they remain so for a while until slowly a gentle blush appears at the tip. For a few weeks more the flower looks more like a make-up brush until eventually the buds begin to open and the bees throng around like women at a beauty counter.
Bristol onions are perfect vertical plants. Grow them in tight groups, with the tatty foliage well-hidden and you’ll be rewarded with make-up brushes atop long stems when the memory of other allium flowers has all but gone.
Vital stats:
Location:
Well-drained, sandy soil
Light:
Full sun
When to plant:
November
What can I expect from this plant?
Height: 90cm
Spread: 5cm
Flowers: June-August
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