Tag Archives: c269

Soil requirements

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This question was asked by
– Barbara K – 

I have alkaline clay soil, what would be suitable to order and plant?

Hi there,
If you have alkaline clay soil, you’ll want to choose summer-flowering bulbs that are tolerant of less acidic, heavier soil. While some bulbs prefer slightly acidic conditions, there are plenty of summer bulbs that thrive in alkaline clay soil. Here are some great options for your garden:

Suitable Summer Flowering Bulbs for Alkaline Clay Soil:

  • Lilies (Lilium) – Many lilies, especially Asiatic and Oriental hybrids, will do well in alkaline soil. They need well-drained but moist soil, and they’ll grow beautifully in clay with added organic matter to improve drainage.

  • Gladiolus – These thrive in a variety of soil types, including alkaline and clay. Their bright, spiky blooms are perfect for adding drama and height to borders.

  • Alliums – Alliums (such as Giant Allium and Purple Sensation) are perfect for alkaline soils and will add striking, globe-shaped flower heads to your garden.

  • Dahlias – Dahlias are very adaptable and can grow well in clay soil if it’s enriched with organic matter. They thrive in alkaline conditions and will produce vibrant, large blooms throughout summer.

  • Canna Lilies – These tropical beauties love a rich, moist soil and will thrive in your alkaline clay soil with a bit of organic matter to improve drainage.

  • Crocosmia – Known for their bright orange or red flowers, Crocosmia (also called Montbretia) thrives in alkaline soils and will add a pop of colour to your garden.

  • Begonias – Tuberous begonias prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil but can grow well in alkaline soils with added organic matter. They are perfect for pots or hanging baskets.

  • Eucomis (Pineapple Lily) – These unique, tropical-looking plants are perfectly suited to alkaline soils and add a fun, vertical element to your garden.

Oriental Trumpet Lily Conca D’Or will be happy in any well-drained soil.

Tips for Improving Your Clay Soil:

  • Amend with organic matter like well-rotted manure, compost, or leaf mould to improve soil structure and drainage.

  • Consider adding grit or sand to increase the drainage for bulbs that need it.

  • Mulch around plants to help maintain moisture levels and keep the roots cool.

Alliums

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This question was asked by
– Sandra N – 

Good morning.
I have a corner of my garden that has poor drainage, it’s not boggy but heavy rain seems to sit below the surface and takes a while to drain.
I have been looking at an Alum Lily, as they stand proud, full, and upright this would fill the area. Can you tell me please, would the Alum be right for this part of my garden.
Thanks
Sandra Newson.
Leicester.

Hello there,

It’s great that you’re considering the right plant for your garden conditions.

If by “Alum Lily” you mean Allium (often mistakenly called Alum Lily), then unfortunately, it wouldn’t be the best choice for a poorly drained spot. Alliums—like most bulbs—require free-draining soil, especially in winter. If their bulbs sit in wet ground for too long, they are prone to rot.

If your heart is set on Alliums, you could improve the drainage in that area by:

  • Mounding the planting area or building a raised bed

  • Adding grit or sharp sand to the planting hole

  • Mixing in compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure

Our Alliums will be available from September onwards, you will be able to order them in the Summer months.
You can request to be notified when they are back in stock if you click on the variety you would like:

Alliums

Alliums

Alliums

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This question was asked by
– Debbie H

Dear Team,

Please can you advise when Alliums are available to buy?

Regards

Debbie

Hi Debbie

Alliums will be available to pre-order in the Summer for delivery in the Autumn when they need planting.

If you would like to be notified when they are available for ordering, you can enter your email address into the ‘tell me when this is back in stock’ button that can be found on each product page. You can find where to enter your details on this page:
Allium Ambassador (SKU17720)

All other alliums can be found here: Alliums

Allium Ambassador

The Hart Family

Alliums bought in July

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This question was asked by
– Nigel Whiten

Hi, we were at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show yesterday & bought some Allium bulbs. The bulbs are great but I am wondering how to store them until September or can I plant them into the ground / pots now?

Hi there,
It’s fine to plant your alliums now. If you’re not ready to plant them straight away, you can keep the bulbs in the paper bag somewhere dry and cool until you’re ready to plant them. More information on planting and care instructions can be found on our website.

 

The Hart Family

Allium flower colour change

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This question was asked by
– B. Dwyer

I have a blue flowering allium – variety unknown. This year it has only 2 flowers, both of which are white! Could this be stress induced given the extreme weather we\’ve had this year?

Hi Barbara

Yes stress from the heat can cause flowers to revert to white. Isn’t nature wonderful.

The Hart Family

Allium Ambassador

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This question was asked by
– thelma – 

Hi,
My alliums were spectacular! When you say ‘cut back’ – do you mean take the heads off when finished or cut back the stalks as well?. The dead heads look very attractive but I will cut them off if it’s best. The flower heads when in full bloom had a unpleasant scent when up close – is this natural?
Thanks,
Thelma

HI Thelma

Yes Alliums are part of the onion family and will smell similar to an onion unfortunately.

Once the whole allium head and stem turns yellow/brown and hollow, it can be removed completely.

Alliums

Alliums

The Hart Family

Bulb planting

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This question was asked by
– Karin B

We bought som alliums and Fritillaria Imperialis bulbs from you at Hampton Court harden show.

Should these be planted now? In the Autumn? Or either?

Thank you.

HI Karin

Your alliums a fritillaria both need planting in the autumn so store them somewhere cool and dry before then.

Alliums

Fritillaria

The Hart Family

Alliums

Posted on by

This question was asked by
– Bob D

Looking for a mixed lot containing 5 varieties including Christophii Purple sensation and 3 others choice yours. All same height more or less. Say 180-200 in total. Good size bulbs and best price please. Sussex.

Hi Bob

We have lots of Alliums to choose from, you can see them here:

Alliums

We also have a couple of great Allium Bulb Collections:

Giant Allium Bulb Collection (Pack of 12 Bulbs + 10 FREE Purple Sensation) (SKU17723)

Allium Bulb Collection (Pack of 20 Bulbs) (SKU17627)

buiten 0059

The Hart Family

Allium bulb names

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This question was asked by
– Barbara E – 

HI, I bought a number of allium bulbs at your stall in malvern and had a chat about growing, with some great advice thank you. Now, I have no idea what species they are !! I know one is allium schubertii, but no idea of the rest. I think I bought some of all your offerings. 4 types large bulbs and 10 small bulbs. Would you be kind enough to let me know which ones you were selling please. I can then Google to see what I can look forward to next spring. Thank you. Hope you had a good show – we certainly enjoyed it.

Good morning,
Sorry for the delay in replying. The alliums we had for sale at Malvern flower show were:

Allium Schubertii (harts1115)

Allium Gladiator (harts1110)

Allium Purple Sensation (harts1114)

Allium Globemaster (harts1111)

Glad you enjoyed the Show!

The Hart Family

Allium Gladiator

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This question was asked by
– Jerry

In 2019 I put down a large number of allium Gladiator, they bloomed in 2020 but nothing at all this year. Also have two large pots in which I had a mix of smaller allium and almost all have disappeared, I wonder why please?

Hi Jerry

It could be a number of factors…How did you care for them after the alliums had finished flowering? Did you remove the flower heads and leave the stems and foliage to die back to feed the bulb so it flowers the following year? Have you checked to see if the bulbs are still there and intact? Do you have drainage holes in your pots – they may have got too wet and rotted away.

Alliums

Allium Gladiator

The Hart Family