Allium - Bobblehead

Allium always lands on our list of go-to plants for a reason: it’s beautiful, easy to grow, and nearly bulletproof when it comes to pests and deer. We first got our hands on ‘Bobblehead’ thanks to a sample from Walters Gardens, and after planting it in our own garden bed, we liked the substantial foliage and the larger blooms. Like most allium it simply performed without fuss. Compared to classics like ‘Millenium’ and ‘Serendipity,’ ‘Bobblehead’ has thicker foliage, with big globe-like lilac flowers that bloom a little earlier and add a soft, whimsical touch to the summer garden.

Those lavender-purple blooms are significantly larger, but more muted than Millenium, giving a softer more neutral color that pairs well with purples, pinks and oranges. They show up in mid to late summer—just in time to complement many other late summer stand outs — and they last for weeks. Pollinators love them. Our patch is a regular hangout for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Even after the flowers fade, the dried seed heads hang on in that perfect architectural way, offering visual interest well into fall.

The foliage consists of tight blue-green clumps with softly twisted leaves that hold their shape and color through the heat of summer. We’ve found that 3–5 plants spaced together create the best look, forming about a 2–3 square foot drift of foliage with bold purple blooms floating above like balloons at a summer party.

If you’ve got full sun, well-drained soil, and want something reliable and rabbit-proof, ‘Bobblehead’ is a fun and foolproof pick. We’re fans—and based on how ours has performed, we think you will be too.

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.

Allium - Bobblehead

Allium is easy to grow from full sun to part shade making it a very versatile plant. I will tolerate soil with any fertility making it a great choice for barren rocky soils and clay. Both disease and wildlife resistant it is a great plant for beginner and experienced gardeners alike.