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Largish spherical flowerheads made up of numerous star-shaped deep violet flowers appear in summer. The enormous flowerheads measuring up to 15cm look great in pots or borders where they can be seen in their full glory.  They are also perfect for a sunny border dotted in groups among ornamental grasses or as part of a Mediterranean scheme. Alliums look best planted between medium-sized herbaceous plants which help to mask the strap-like leaves which fade by the time the flowers appear.

• Garden care: Enrich the soil with added compost and plant the bulbs 15cm deep. Space them at 25cm intervals to take full advantage of the big flower heads. Make sure the soil does not get too wet or waterlogged and divide large clumps in autumn or spring