Alliums - Onions can be ornamentals as well as vegetables

Not all onions need to be relegated to the vegetable garden. Simple to grow in any sunny, well-drained spot, ornamental Alliums sport attractive, globe-shaped flowers and critter resistant foliage. Both flowers and foliage add contrasting texture to the garden, and the flowers of most varieties are great for cutting and drying.

Alliums range in size from diminutive varieties less than a foot tall to statuesque giants four or more feet in height. Although most bloom in pink, blue or purple shades, some varieties sport yellow or white flowers. Foliage might be bold and strappy, low growing and curly, or thin and grasslike.

Alliums can be purchased as bulbs for fall planting or as potted plants throughout the growing season. Plant bulbs in good garden soil, two to three times as deep as the bulb is wide. Started plants should be planted at the same depth as they were in the pot, and this can be done at any time throughout the growing season. Fertilize Alliums once in early spring, and deadhead spent blooms if seeding is not desired.

Although they are easy to transplant and divide, most varieties can be left undisturbed for many seasons.

Plant Alliums among perennials, annuals and other bulbs, or group them together in clumps and let them naturalize. Large-flowered types look good in front of shrubs of a contrasting foliage color. In some varieties, the leaves die back as the season progresses. These are best planted among leafy perennials that will hide the deteriorating foliage. Depending on the type, Alliums bloom anywhere from late spring to fall. Plant several varieties to extend the show.

For late spring bloom, try Allium moly. This low-growing onion reaches only 10 to 12 inches tall, and its bright yellow, starry flowers look cheery when planted among other late spring-blooming bulbs. Intersperse it with the rabbits' favorite, tulips, to discourage nibbling. This variety also looks good naturalized, and it is tolerant of dry shade. Left undisturbed, it will eventually spread to form colonies.

Allium aflatuence blooms around the same time, in late May to early June, but its flowers reach a much greater height, on stems up to three or four feet tall. Purple Sensation bears rich, dark purple, perfectly round flower clusters. It is pretty when planted with late-flowering, tall tulips or with leafy perennials that will fill in and cover the onion's foliage as it fades. This variety is a good one to harvest for cut flowers, as its large blooms make a nice focal point in arrangements.

Globemaster bears truly spectacular deep violet flowers in dense clusters as large as 6 to 8 inches across. These are held on strong stems 30 to 40 inches tall. Foliage is dark green and strap-like, appearing before the flowers.

Allium christophii (Stars of Persia) has even larger flowers than Globemaster. Sometimes, clusters can reach almost a foot in diameter!

Flowers bloom in early summer. They are pinkish purple, and the heads dry well. The strap-like, gray-green leaves appear before the flowers, and are short-lived. Grow this onion where the dying foliage will be camouflaged by neighboring plants.

As its name implies, Allium giganteum (Giant Onion) is perhaps the tallest onion of them all. Its 4- to 5-inch lilac pink flowers are borne on stems four or more feet tall. Plant this tall onion in the back of the border where the blooms will be showcased and the deteriorating foliage will be hidden. The flowers of giant onion are long lasting as cuts if harvested as they just begin to open. Stems may need support to help hold up the dense flower heads.

For summer blooms in a true blue color, plant Allium caeruleum. The delicate, globe-shaped flower clusters of this plant are borne on stiff stems reaching about 11/2 feet tall. The mid green, grasslike foliage dies back before the flowers appear; intermingle this variety with perennials in the garden bed. This Siberian native is very hardy and easy to grow.

For a totally different look, plant Allium senescens Glaucum. Its gray-green foliage is attractive, and twisted in an interesting, swirly pattern. Reaching only about 6 to 8 inches tall, this variety looks good in groups along the front of the border where its unusual growing habit can be appreciated. Small pink flowers in mid summer are an added bonus.

Allium cernum (Nodding Pink Onion) is a native prairie plant, easy to grow in any warm, sunny site. Its unusual, pendulous pink flower clusters are borne on 12- to 24-inch stems above the grassy foliage in midsummer. Clump forming, this is a good choice for rock gardens.

Carry on the color by planting Allium thunbergii Ozawa. This variety bears violet flowers on 8-inch stems in September to October. Its fall foliage is colorful, too, turning a burnished, reddish bronze.

•Maureen Safarik is a horticulturalist affiliated with The Planter's

Palette, 28W571 Roosevelt Road, Winfield, IL 60190. Call (630) 293-1040 or

visit planterspalette.com.