While going through my Pintrest boards this morning, I keeping pausing on mixed borders that included Alliums. I love alliums because of their striking shape, height and ease of planting and forgetting about.  Scroll down for some great examples of alliums in landscapes along with planting tips and bulb information.

Image from Martha Stewart

Alliums 101:

• Hardy Zones: 3-10, depending on variety.
• Time to Plant: Fall
• Blooms: size range from golf ball to large softball size, colors are purples, pinks and whites
• Benefits: Deer and rodent proof, easy to care for and can be used as cut flowers
• Planting Tips:
• Plant top size up 6-8 inches deep
• Full Sun location with well-drained soil. You can use bulb fertilizer when planting to boost blooms.
• Best used with other perennials, such as ground covers (see images above for examples)
• Order Bulbs: Van Engelen

Here is a selection of the bulbs you can order from Van Engelen, but visit their site or your local garden center for additional options:

1. Allium ‘Ambassdor’: 7″ globe, hardy zones 5-9
2. Allium aflatunense: 3″ globe, hardy zones 5-7
3. Allium jesdianum ‘Early Emperor’: 6″ globe, hardy zones 4-8
4. Allium jesdianum ‘White Empress’: 6″ globe, hardy zones 4-8
5. Allium stipitatum ‘White Giant’: 6-8″ globe, hardy zones 5-8
6. Allium ‘Silver Spring’: 4″ globe, hardy zones 4-8