This Summer Flower is the Only One You Need to Attract Bees – Plant it in April for a Pollinator-Packed Garden
This reliable bulb will transform your yard into a pollinator haven this summer – and introduce a burst of color, too
There are plenty of ways to encourage bees, butterflies and other insects to visit your garden, but in my view, there's only one plant you really need to attract pollinators – and that's alliums. These low-maintenance perennials are hardy, drought-tolerant and wonderfully handsome in a planter or border.
The spring sunshine will always boost your mood, but there's nothing like lounging under blue skies and listening to the delicate buzz of bees. Pollinators aren't just brilliant for your plants; they're also an endless source of joy in the warmer months.
Article continues belowWhy Choose Alliums For a Pollinator-Friendly Garden
'If you've grown alliums before, it's impossible not to notice the delicate buzzing of bumblebees that flock to these perfect purple globes,' says Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens.
'Bees and butterflies love alliums because they are super rich in nectar, making their work in your garden a lot more time-efficient.'
Keen gardeners will known that flowers like zinnias, lavender and milkweed are beloved by pollinators, but alliums are a particularly brilliant choice for a wildlife garden thanks to their high nectar content.
'Alliums are abundant in nectar – an essential energy source for pollinators – because each flower head is made up of lots of tiny, individual flowers,' says Rachel. 'This means that bees can gather copious amounts of nectar without having to fly far between flowers.'
This explains why you might see crowds of pollinators hovering around your alliums: the plants really do help insects to feed more quickly without tiring themselves out.
'Plant a bunch of alliums together and you're effectively giving your garden bees the greatest grazing table they've ever seen,' Rachel adds.
How to Grow Alliums to Help Attract Pollinators
There are hundreds of varieties of alliums, and they typically bloom in late spring. If you're wondering when to plant alliums, however, it's usually best to do so in early fall, to ensure that they produce glorious flowers once the warmer weather arrives – but you can plant the bulbs in springtime instead.
'Right now you'll find alliums online and in garden centers as sprouting bulbs,' Rachel explains. 'Now is the time to plant them for flowers by May.'
Alliums aren't tricky to grow; they simply require fast-draining soil and plenty of sun.
They don't need too much water, but it's helpful to invest in a soil moisture meter (like this one from Amazon) to ensure that they're not too dry or too moist when they begin to flower.
If you're wondering where to place your bulbs, alliums look particularly brilliant in herbaceous borders – especially when planted in large groups. However, they also make a brilliant companion plant if you happen to be designing a rose garden.
'There are many different varieties of alliums to choose from,' says Rachel. 'You might recognize the common 'ambassador' allium, or the colossal spheres of the 'globemaster'.' (You can find 'purple sensation' alliums, which look almost identical, for just $7.49 at The Home Depot.)
While traditional purple blooms are always a crowd-pleaser, you can also look out for rare varieties of alliums.
'I love some of the more unusual types, such as the 'shubertii', with its incredible shooting fronds,' says Rachel. 'Drumstick alliums are also a hit; they are more oval in shape, with a deeper shade of maroon.' You can pick up shubertii allium bulbs at Amazon, and we found drumstick allium bulbs at Amazon, too.
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These gorgeous alliums can grow up to 16 inches in height. The tiny purple petals might look dainty, but they're impressively hardy flowers.
If you're looking for allium alternatives which are just as easy to grow, blue agapanthus is perfect. It's also a pollinator magnet.
More commonly referred to as ornamental onion plants, Allium Atropurpureum is known for its tiny, feathery petals and deep purple hue.
Want to get the most out of your garden this spring? We asked experts how to divide bulbs, including alliums.
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