The Allium bulbs Pinball Wizard are bulbs of an ornamental onion with huge, globe-shaped purple flower heads. They stand on long, straight stems and the plant grows to about 70 to 80 centimetres. The flowers attract bees and butterflies and also work well as cut flowers in a tall vase.

The bulbs are a hefty size 18/20 and each bulb produces one large flower head. Place them in the border or in a roomy pot on the patio, where they rise above lower plants. With 2 bulbs you fill a large pot, with 4 bulbs you create an eye-catching group in the border. With 8 or 16 bulbs you can spread them across a longer border or a whole bed; allow 3 to 5 bulbs per square metre. A good combination is a shorter variety from our allium bulbs, so you get flowers at different heights. You will find more greenery for outdoors among our outdoor plants.

When should you plant the Allium bulbs Pinball Wizard?

Mid-October to the end of November is the ideal period to plant the Allium bulbs Pinball Wizard. The soil has then dropped below 10 °C: cool enough to stop the bulbs from sprouting, yet still warm enough for them to make roots. If December is still frost-free, you can plant them then too. Do not plant them in spring, because without winter cold there will be no flowers.

When do the Allium bulbs Pinball Wizard flower?

The Allium bulbs Pinball Wizard flower in May and June, on the cusp of spring and summer. A flower head stays beautiful for about three weeks and then turns into an elegant seed head, which you can leave standing or dry for a bouquet. A warm spot or a pot brings flowering forward a little, a cold spring delays it. In a good spot the bulbs return every year and the plant slowly spreads.

Care and tips Allium bulbs Pinball Wizard

Plant the bulbs pointed end up at a depth of 15 to 20 centimetres, about three times the height of the bulb, and leave 30 to 40 centimetres of space so the large flowers do not touch. Pinball Wizard grows best in loose, well-drained soil; on heavy soil, work in some sand. A pot needs a drainage hole and a layer of gravel in the bottom; find a sturdy, roomy one among our outdoor pots and baskets. After flowering, let the foliage die back, even if it looks a little untidy; a few perennials in front will mask it. In early spring, scatter some bulb fertiliser around the spot.

Water needs of the Allium bulbs Pinball Wizard

This ornamental onion likes dry feet. In the border extra water is almost never needed, except in an exceptionally dry spring. In a pot, check every week from the first leaves whether the soil is dry, and only then water. Empty the saucer after a shower, because standing water makes the bulbs rot.

Light needs of the Allium bulbs Pinball Wizard

Pinball Wizard needs a sunny spot, ideally all day. With plenty of light the stems stay straight and carry the heavy flower heads with ease. In partial shade the flowers remain smaller.

Are the Allium bulbs Pinball Wizard toxic?

The Allium bulbs Pinball Wizard are mildly toxic if ingested. Keep the bulbs and the plant out of reach of pets and young children. Wear gloves when planting if your skin is easily irritated.

How will my Allium bulbs Pinball Wizard be shipped?

Your bulbs are carefully packed and shipped. That way they arrive safely and fresh from the grower.