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Hybrid ornamental bulb
Amaryllidaceae
Multi-stem mauve-pink ornamental onion
‘Party Balloons’ Ornamental Allium
Product code : VAN-146-183-01
Party Balloons ornamental allium carries mauve-pink to soft violet spheres above broad grey-green leaves. A large bulb may send up several flower stems for a clustered, balloon-like display in late spring. Plants reach about 70 cm (28 in.) with a spread of about 30 cm (12 in.). The package contains 5 bulbs. Plant in fall in sun or light partial shade, with excellent drainage.
- Quantity
- 5 bulbs
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Naturalizing bulbous perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 3 to 10
Discover the plant
Common nameParty Balloons ornamental allium
FamilyAmaryllidaceae
GenusAllium
CultivarParty Balloons
TypeHybrid ornamental bulb
Botanical nameAllium
Party Balloons ornamental allium (Allium). Party Balloons ornamental allium carries mauve-pink to soft violet spheres above broad grey-green leaves. A large bulb may send up several flower stems for a clustered, balloon-like display in late spring. Plants reach about 70 cm (28 in.) with a spread of about 30 cm (12 in.). The package contains 5 bulbs.
Plant in fall, four to six weeks before the ground freezes, in full sun or light partial shade. Set bulbs pointed end up, 15 cm (6 in.) deep and 30 cm (12 in.) apart. Use fertile, loose, very well-drained soil. Water after planting, then maintain moderate moisture through rooting and spring growth without allowing water to collect around the bulbs.
After flowering, keep healthy leaves until they yellow naturally, then reduce watering during dormancy. Leave flower heads for their sculptural shape or cut them for fresh and dried arrangements. Drainage during winter and snowmelt matters more than a heavy mulch. Protect container-grown bulbs from deep freezing and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. This ornamental allium is not edible; keep bulbs away from children and pets.
Planting guide
Plant well.Grow beautifully.
Planting depth
15 cm (6 in.)
Spacing / density
30 cm (12 in.) between bulbs
Best planting time
In fall, four to six weeks before the ground freezes
Propagation
Bulbs and separation of offsets during dormancy
Growing method
Plant in fall, four to six weeks before the ground freezes, in full sun or light partial shade. Set bulbs pointed end up, 15 cm (6 in.) deep and 30 cm (12 in.) apart. Use fertile, loose, very well-drained soil. Water after planting, then maintain moderate moisture through rooting and spring growth without allowing water to collect around the bulbs. Keep leaves until they yellow naturally after bloom, then allow a drier summer rest.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
6.0 to 7.5
Minimum temperature
-29 °C (-20 °F)
Care level
Easy
Drought tolerance
Yes
Watering
Water after planting to settle the soil. Maintain moderate moisture during rooting and spring growth, allowing the surface to begin drying between waterings. Reduce watering after foliage yellows. Never leave bulbs in saturated soil or a pot standing in water.
Soil type
Fertile, loose, very well-drained soil. Improve the whole planting area with mature compost if needed and use a raised bed where drainage is slow. Avoid winter waterlogging and standing snowmelt around the bulbs.
Fertilization
Add a light layer of mature compost in fall or as growth starts. If the soil is poor, use a modest bulb fertilizer according to its label. Avoid excessive nitrogen and do not feed during dormancy.
Moisture
Moderate moisture in active growth; very well drained and drier during dormancy
Seasonal care
After flowering, keep healthy leaves until they yellow naturally, then reduce watering during dormancy. Leave flower heads for their sculptural shape or cut them for fresh and dried arrangements. Drainage during winter and snowmelt matters more than a heavy mulch. Protect container-grown bulbs from deep freezing and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. This ornamental allium is not edible; keep bulbs away from children and pets. Separate overcrowded offsets during dormancy and replant promptly. Mark the location to avoid disturbing dormant bulbs.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
at least 40 cm (16 in.) deep and 40 cm (16 in.) in diameter for one bulb
Choose a deep container at least 40 cm (16 in.) in diameter and depth for one bulb, with generous drainage holes. Use fertile, free-draining potting mix. Plant 15 cm (6 in.) deep, allow room for the broad leaves and multiple stems, and place in full sun or light partial shade. Water moderately in active growth and empty the saucer. Protect the pot from deep freezing in winter while maintaining the bulb's cool seasonal cycle.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
70 cm (28 in.)
Width / spread
Approximately 30 cm (12 in.)
Flower color
Mauve pink to soft violet
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Deciduous, broad, long-lasting basal leaves
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Broad grey-green basal clump with several upright flower stems per bulb
Fragrance
Light floral and garlic-like fragrance
Bloom period
Mauve-pink to soft violet globes open in late spring. Each rounded head contains many small flowers, and a large bulb may produce several stems. Timing and stem count vary with bulb size, weather and establishment.
Harvest
Cut stems as the first flowers open for bouquets
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Combine with lower perennials, grasses and white or soft-pink flowers that share its sunny, well-drained conditions. Their foliage can soften the border as the allium leaves die back. Avoid crowding the broad leaves during spring growth.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
When and how do I plant Party Balloons allium bulbs?
Plant in fall, four to six weeks before the ground freezes, in full sun or light partial shade. Set bulbs pointed end up, 15 cm (6 in.) deep and 30 cm (12 in.) apart. Use fertile, loose, very well-drained soil. Water after planting, then maintain moderate moisture through rooting and spring growth without allowing water to collect around the bulbs.
Does Party Balloons produce more than one flower stem per bulb?
A large, well-established bulb may produce several flower stems, creating the clustered effect behind its name. Stem count varies with bulb size and growing conditions. Give the bulb sun, fertile soil and excellent drainage, and retain the leaves after flowering to replenish its reserves.
Will Party Balloons allium return each year in my garden?
Return flowering depends on local winter conditions, drainage and the bulb rebuilding its reserves. Choose a site suited to the listed hardiness range, protect against standing winter water, and leave foliage until it yellows. Containers require extra protection from deep freezing. A newly planted bulb may take time to establish.
How do I use Party Balloons stems in bouquets?
Cut selected stems as the small flowers open, while leaving all healthy leaves attached to the bulb. The rounded heads make a bold accent with simple foliage or softer flowers. For drying, cut mature heads and hang them in a dark, dry, well-ventilated place.
Can I grow Party Balloons allium in a pot?
Choose a deep container at least 40 cm (16 in.) in diameter and depth for one bulb, with generous drainage holes. Use fertile, free-draining potting mix. Plant 15 cm (6 in.) deep, allow room for the broad leaves and multiple stems, and place in full sun or light partial shade. Water moderately in active growth and empty the saucer. Protect the pot from deep freezing in winter while maintaining the bulb's cool seasonal cycle.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Reported toxicity
Yes
Supporting wildlife
The small flowers within the globes attract bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects during the late-spring flowering period. Keep insecticides away from open flowers and provide companion blooms at other times of year.