Globemaster ornamental allium

Allium ‘Globemaster’

Hybrid ornamental allium with massive 25 cm spherical heads of small star-shaped violet flowers held on tall stems above strap-like grey-green leaves. The most dramatic of the ornamental alliums.

Hardiness ratings

Globemaster ornamental allium hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 4–9 −34.4 °C to −1.1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H6 −20 °C to −15 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 4–8 −29 °C to −1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–6 −15 °C to 15 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Plant in mid-to-back borders — flowers May–June, by which time the strap leaves have yellowed, so site with later-emerging perennials in front to mask the foliage
  • Outstanding bee forage — flower heads buzz audibly with bumblebees at peak bloom
  • Distinct from the edible Allium species already in the database (chives, garlic, onions, leeks) — Globemaster is a sterile ornamental hybrid grown for the flower head
  • Dried flower heads persist through winter as garden structure

Pet caution: Globemaster ornamental allium is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Globemaster ornamental allium against your zones

Reference

Globemaster ornamental allium on Wikipedia