Round-Headed Leek (Allium sphaerocephalon) - Wildlife-Friendly Native (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free Bulbs)

Known locally as the Bristol Onion, Allium sphaerocephalon is a nationally rare UK native in the wild, found naturally on warm, rocky ledges - but it’s superb and reliable in gardens. Neat, bobbing flower heads sit on slender stems, bringing movement and late-summer colour while drawing in bees and hoverflies. Dried seedheads add beautiful structure into autumn.

Planting: Full sun; well-drained soil (ideal in gravelly, poor or chalky ground). Plant in autumn at 2-3× bulb depth (around 8–10 cm deep), spacing 8-12 cm apart in loose groups for a natural look. Allow foliage to die back naturally to feed next year’s bulbs; avoid over-rich soils or waterlogging in winter.

Conservation truth note: UK wild populations are highly restricted and protected. Our bulbs are nursery-grown, peat-free and pesticide-free - never wild-dug.

Joel says…
“Drumstick alliums are brilliant for stitching colour through a meadow mix or a dry, sunny border. They’re compact, tough and the bees love them - scatter them in groups so they pop up like little fireworks. As always, these are peat-free and ready to thrive.”

Safety note: Like other alliums, bulbs/leaves can be toxic if eaten - keep away from pets/livestock and don’t use vase water on edible crops.