Best of the bunch

Allium THESE late-spring early-summer lollypop flowers appear in shades of purple and white and make a great accent planted at intervals in borders.

They are actually ornamental onions and can reach heights of up to 1.8m depending on the type.

Bulbs should be planted in the autumn in a sheltered, sunny, well-drained site which won’t get waterlogged.

Their leaves become straggly before the blooms appear, so it’s best to plant them with other plants whose foliage will mask the unsightly leaves.

Good varieties include A. ‘Globemaster’ and ‘Purple Sensation’.