Purple Rain Allium Bulbs

Allium Purple Rain

Gosh - where to start? Purple Rain is a cross between two well-known alliums - Purple Sensation and Christophii. The first gives it the height and colour which make it so useful towards the back of a border, which the second provides the flower size and structure. In decent conditions, the blooms are open and about 15 cm in diameter.

The handsome green leaves wither (and are relatively unattractive) before the flowers appear in May/June. However, they are easily hidden with lower growing plants. Peonies spring to mind but drifts of tulips especially those that are brave oranges and yellows. Try Orange Brilliant, Hermitage, or Daydream Tulips for a sensational contrast. Or for gentler effect, white tulips can be both subtle and stunning. Have a look at Spring Green or White Triumphator.

With its breeding and outstanding quality, Purple Rain will become one of the most popular alliums in the gardener's armoury. A brilliant addition to our range of alliums.

• Colour: Purple
• Height: 100 cm
• Scent: Mild
• Flowering: May/June
• Bulb Size: 10/12 cm
• Planting Depth: 4 x the bulb height
• Planting Months: September - December
• RHS Award of Garden Merit

Plant alliums such as Purple Rain in borders and containers. They can be naturalised, but they tend to do best where the soil is fertile and is improved with an annual spring mulch.

The principal requirement is decent drainage - alliums hate permanently wet soil and they grow best in a sunny spot.

Space Purple Rain quite widely when planting - about 15 cms is right - allium bulbs can be big and a clump will occupy a fair bit of space. The planting hole should be about four times deeper than the bulb is tall. The pointy end is the top... All alliums look better if they are not planted in formal lines - scatter them about.

The spent flower heads are very handsome and can be left on the plant or cut to make a dried flower arrangement. Allow the foliage to die back naturally before removing.

By all means apply a high potash fertiliser during the growing season to help bulk up the bulb for next year. Lift and divide clumps of alliums if flowering is poor.