DIY Summer Project: Spray Painting Allium Flowers
Paint and flowers, do they mix? Maybe–if you are thinking of an artist painting a vase of flowers. In most other applications paint and flowers aren’t associated with each other…until now! A super easy and fun summer project is spray painting allium!
You may be wondering why would someone want to spray paint flowers? Allium flowers that are done blooming look like fireworks once they are spray painted. They can be added to vases for dried floral arrangements. Spray-painted allium can be added bouquet of fresh flowers for additional color and texture. Allium flower that are painted offers an affordable option for bridal centerpieces. Since spray paint is available in a large selection of colors, including metallic and glittery spray paint, the possibilities are endless!
Your painted allium flowers can also be used to extend color in the garden. The stems of allium flowers are hollow; therefore, using a stake they can be inserted into the ground. To try this use a wooden dowel, garden bamboo stake, or orange safety flag into the stem and stick the painted allium in the ground for an extended display of color.
Depending on where you are located your allium bulbs should bloom between May and June. The bulbs will prepare for dormancy after the flowers are finished blooming. When the flowers are finishing and the bulb is getting ready to go dormant the stems and flowers turn a wheat color. Once the stems and flowers are dried the allium flowers are ready to be painted. Note: I have also spray-painted allium flowers and stems that were still green but no longer blooming and had great results.
Choose a Color Theme
Before you head out to the garden to gather your allium flowers purchase spray paint at your local home improvement store. Before you purchase the paint for your allium flowers, consider a theme or color pallet you would like to implement.
For a patriotic display, choose red, silver, and blue as your paint colors.
Holiday color themes like orange, black and purple work nice for Halloween décor.
Traditional colors of Christmas such as green, red, and silver are nice for your holiday centerpieces.
If you have a daughter or granddaughter in your life who likes pink and purple, you could go with varying shades of pink and purple for her birthday celebration or even for room décor. Painted allium can also be added to your home for decoration—match the allium paint colors to colors in your living room, kitchen, or bathroom.
How to Spray Paint Allium Flowers
- Decide on a color theme
- Purchase spray paint
- Head out to the garden and gather your allium flowers
- Choose a location to paint the allium that is well ventilated
- Determine what direction the wind is blowing and plan to spray with your back to the wind
- Clean out any debris that has found itself in between the florets of the allium flowers
- Hold the stem of the allium and start spraying the bloom while turning the bloom to fully cover all parts of the flower
- Spray the stem as much as you can without spraying your hand
- Rest the flowers on a flat surface where the flowers can dry
Alternative Allium Painting Method:
If you plan to use these in the garden you can insert the dowels, flags, or other stakes into the stems prior to spraying. Stick the stakes/stems into the ground and spray at the location where they will stay outside. If you are spraying the allium while in the ground, you may want to use paper or cardboard behind where you are spraying to prevent overflow spray from getting on other surfaces.
Plant Alliums This Fall to Prepare for Next Summer
If you are wanting to try this project but don’t have any allium planted, plan ahead for next year. Allium bulbs are hardy in zones 3-9. Plant allium bulbs in fall, between September and December depending on the climate they are being planted in. Gardeners in colder climates will want to plant in September, October, and November. Gardeners in warm climates can plant as late as December or even early January.
Experiment with planting different varieties of allium to get even more shapes and textures which will add extra visual interest to your project. Plant large Allium giganteum for the biggest allium blooms to paint. Purple Sensation Allium is an economical way to start gardening with allium. They generally have more bulbs per pack for a lower cost. The blooms of Purple Sensation Allium are medium-sized, but showy and will work well for painting. Mercurius Allium has upward-facing petals that aren’t as round, these are nice to mix in with the large round allium for a different shape. For an airy appearance, the large blooms of the Star of Persia Allium provide a free-flowing and fun appearance!
Easy, Fun, and Affordable Summer Project
Painting allium is so easy! Few supplies are needed for this fun summer DIY garden project. This project would be fun to do with kids above 10 (as long as you trust them to be responsible for the paint). It is also a fun project that can result in affordable long-lasting décor. Painted allium flowers can last for years. Due to their longevity spray painted allium can be an enticing option for affordable holiday decorations that will last for several years. Plan ahead this summer and paint your allium flowers now for seasonal décor, wedding centerpieces, or any other area you need some fun colorful shapes.
