Fall bulbs: this is Allium year for me

Three or four years ago I planted several types of fall bulbs in the then-new planting beds along the driveway. Tulips, daffodils, crocus, and a few alliums. The tulips were only added because they were on clearance because I knew the deer would eat them -- the others should be avoided by the deer.

My favorite by far were the alliums, and even though I had planted only purple types, labeled as A. aflatunense and 'Purple Sensation' -- which is a cultivar of A. aflatunense it turns out -- (as seen in this photo), I had one tall white allium grow too (photo here). I loved these, and decided this summer that I'd be adding more alliums to my garden this year.

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So what did I get? (I arranged them in order of bulb size on the table, as that seemed like the most fun way to do it):

I had two "must have" species on my list, thanks to Scott at Rhone Street Gardens posting wonderful photos of his every year (like this, and this).

Allium christophii was one:

And the second was Allium bulgaricum:

I didn't stop at just those two though. I bought from Willow Creek Gardens mainly because they were the first place I found that had both of the above types in stock. I was entranced by two new varieties they carried though so added them to the cart too!

Allium 'Red Mohican' (info and photos here):

Also Allium 'Silver Spring' (info and photos here):

After adding those relatively expensive new varieties I decided to add some cheap ones too: Allium sphaerocephalon (drumstick allium):

That addition put me over the "get free bulbs!" sale threshold so my shipment contained a surprise: Tulip dasystemon Tarda:

I'm not sure where to plant these, as they almost certainly will be deer food. Perhaps a pot on the deck is the way to go?


I spent some money locally too, buying a couple more Alliums from one of my favorite local nurseries (Greenscape Gardens): Allium giganteum and Allium 'Summer Drummer':

Both will be tall and huge -- exciting! A bit of a size difference...

...can you tell which is A. giganteum ($8 for 1) and which is A. sphaerocephalon ($6 for 20)?

I plan on planting these in the next couple of weeks. It's going to be an exciting spring and early summer next year!


Are you planting any exciting bulbs this fall?

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