Step into the wonderful and whimsical world of allium bulbs. But, don’t let the alliums bloom alone! They need companions to put on the best show in the garden. Shrubs and perennials work as companion plants for allium bulbs. However, some of the best companion plants for allium bulbs are other fall-planted bulbs and perennials. They can all be tucked away under the soil to sleep for the winter months at the same time and location. When spring arrives they will emerge as best friends and delight us with their dynamic characteristics. Try these companion plants for allium as we present 8 Allium Combinations to Plant this Fall.
Allium Companions
Allium Combinations: Plant Allium with Oriental Poppies
Combine two late-spring perennial favorites for a stunning combination. Both Oriental Poppies and Allium have large, unique, and showy blooms at the same time in late spring. Growing conditions for Oriental Poppies and Allium are similar–well-drained soil and full sun are a recipe for success!
Harlem Oriental Poppy + White Giant Allium
The rich deep purple Harlem Oriental Poppy blooms contrast the large round white globe-shaped booms of White Giant Allium. Plant 3 Harlem Oriental Poppy for every 1 White Giant Allium. The poppies can be planted in front of the allium. Another way to group this combination is to plan 3 Harlem Oriental Poppies around 1 White Giant Allium, with the allium being the centerpiece of the planting arrangement.
Perry’s White Oriental Poppy + Summer Drummer Allium
This combination has energy and rhythm! Perry’s White Oriental Poppy is an exclamation point in the garden. The large white blooms have deep purple and black centers. Perry’s White Oriental Poppy grows 24-36″ tall and is perfect for the base and foreground of tall alliums like Summer Drummer Allium.Tall and stately Summer Drummer Allium gives life to the garden. Summer Drummer Allium is one of the tallest late spring blooming alliums, reaching nearly 6′. The white and purple blooms of Perry’s White Poppy compliment the large 4″ purple blooms of Summer Drummer Allium. Both of these hardy perennials bloom around the same time in late spring, therefore, they will delight the garden at the same time.
The best way to plant this allium combination is 3 Summer Drummer Allium and 3 Perry’s White Oriental Poppy surrounding the allium.
Allium Combinations: Plant Dutch Iris with Allium
Tall Dutch Iris is an affordable late-spring blooming bulb. Bold colors in shades of purple, blue, red, yellow, and white are the colors you will see in Dutch Iris. Extend the spring bloom season by planting affordable Dutch Iris with allium bulbs. Both Dutch Iris and Allium grow best in full sun, and soil that drains well. Plant them in the fall for blooms in late spring.
Blue Diamond Dutch Iris + Blue Allium + Moly Allium
OOOO! AHHH! Yellow and blue whimsy-filled bouquets, what a display! This combination of whispy and whimsical allium and Dutch iris is the perfect late spring bouquet for your kitchen table centerpiece. The Blue Allium and yellow Moly Allium play well off the blue and yellow blooms of the Blue Diamond Dutch Iris.
Plant 24 Blue Diamond Dutch Iris with 25 Blue Allium and 25 Moly Allium. It may seem like a lot of bulbs to plant, however, they are all small bulbs and can be planted in a 1-3 square foot area.
White van Vliet Dutch Iris + Purple Sensation Allium
We love the traditional look these two classic spring favorites give. Tall White van Vliet Dutch Iris grow 22-28″ with stark white blooms that have a cheery yellow accent on the petals. Purple Sensation Allium is one of the most loved alliums available on the market. They grow 2-3′ tall and will hover above the pure white blooms of the White van Vliet Dutch Iris.
Plant 12 White van Vliet Dutch Iris for every 5 Purple Sensation Allium. Plant the allium bulbs 4-6″ from each other in an X-shaped pattern. The white Dutch iris can be planted on the outside of the allium.
Allium Combinations: Plant Peonies with Allium
Two all-stars of the late spring garden combine for a stellar display of blooms. Beloved peonies have large, fragrant, and over-the-top blooms. When combined with the large, showy, and opulent blooms of allium it’s a match made in heaven. Peonies grow tall and bushy. While the alliums also grow tall, they aren’t bushy and can be tucked in with the peonies to bloom through the foliage in spring. Plant allium and peony in full sun for the biggest and best display of blooms.
Gladiator Allium + Bartzella Peony
When deciding on a color theme for your garden, you may use complementary colors such as yellow and purple. Complementary colors are a winning choice. This combination of yellow Bartzella Peony with courageous Gladiator Allium is a definite winner.
Bartzella Peony is an Itoh hybrid peony that has large sturdy blooms which grow up to 9″ across. The stems hold up these blooms, while the plant matures at 2.5-3′. Gladiator Allium has 6-8″ diameter blooms on tall 3-5′ stems. Plant the Gladiator allium behind or amongst the Bartzella Peony where the large purple globe-shaped blooms will tower through the foliage.
Eden’s Perfume Peony + Allium giganteum
This combination is a pastel powerhouse in the late spring garden. Eden’s Perfume Peony is one of the most fragrant peonies available. Its large double pink blooms can grow up to 6-7″ across. The compact growth habit and sturdy stems make Eden’s Perfume Peony the perfect match for Allium giganteum. The giant allium grows 3-4′ while the compact Eden’s Perfume Peony only grows 2-2.5′. Therefore, plant 3-5 Allium giganteum in the background or amongst the Eden’s Perfume Peony.
Allium Combinations: Plant Allium with Bearded Iris
The possibilities and combinations when planting allium and bearded iris together are endless. Bearded Iris bloom in nearly every shade of the rainbow. Therefore, combining them with the purple, white, and yellow shades of allium bloom creates several colorful options. Allium and Bearded Iris are hardy perennials that will return to the garden for 10+ years or more. They are deer-resistant and put on an impactful display in the late spring.
Bubble Blend Allium Mix + Anvil of Darkness Bearded Iris
This combination of shades of purple presents a balance of light and dark. Bubble Blend Allium Mix is a delightful blend of purple, light purple, and white globe-shaped allium. Bubble Blend is a lot of fun! Create balance by combining the light Bubble Blend Allium mix with the sultry Anvil of Darkness Bearded Iris.
The bearded iris in this combination grows 30-36″ tall. The Bubble Blend Allium Mix is slightly shorter growing 24-30″ tall, therefore, it is best to plant the Bubble Blend Allium Mix in the foreground of the Anvil of Darkness Bearded Iris.
Star of Persia Allium + Plum Fun Bearded Iris
I love a good monochromatic garden scheme and purple is my favorite color. Therefore, this combination is a superstar match for me. Star of Persia Allium is a magnificent allium with some of the largest blooms, reaching 9-12″ in diameter.
Bearded Iris come in nearly every color of the rainbow, and are often two-toned. Plum Fun Bearded Iris is two shades of purple. The top petals are a warm dark orchid color, while the falls are a deep plum color.
While the blooms on Star of Persia Allium are larger than the life the overall stature of Star of Persia Allium is a bit more compact. Star of Persia allium grows 18-30″ tall. Plum Fun Bearded Iris grows 36-48″. Therefore, the bearded iris should be planted behind the Star of Persia Allium. Plant 5 Star of Persia Allium for every 1 Plum Fun Bearded Iris.
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Allium, Bring Friends!
Yes, allium are showstoppers in the garden on their own. If you have any allium planted in your garden, neighbors may stop to ask what those purple ball-shaped blooms are. However, to utilize them in the garden to their full potential they are best when planted with other late-spring-blooming bulbs and perennials. Columbine, cranesbill, Siberian Iris, and Clematis are perennials that pair well with allium flowers.
Finish the celebration of spring with large, fun, and whimsical allium bulbs–hopefully planted with some companions for maximum appeal!
Want to Learn More About Growing the Bulbs and Perennials Mentioned in this Blog? Check Out These Helpful Posts:
Late Spring Iris and Allium Garden (Includes FREE Garden Plan)
