Plant each bulb about 10 cm deep, measured from the bulb’s base to the soil surface, with the pointed end facing upward. Leave roughly 10 cm between bulbs to provide room for roots and good air movement. In clay soil, loosen the ground more deeply and mix in fine grit so water cannot collect beneath the bulb. Water once after planting to settle the soil, then allow fall rainfall to support rooting. Mark the position so emerging shoots are not damaged during spring cleanup or cultivation. Good drainage remains essential to protect the bulb during rainy periods. A light mulch limits weeds without trapping excessive moisture around bulbs.
Sale
Sold out
Fragrant ornamental bulb with bicoloured flowers
Amaryllidaceae
Ornamental fall-planted bulb
Silver Spring ornamental onion (Allium ‘Silver Spring’)
Allium ‘Silver Spring’
Silver Spring is an architectural 90 cm Allium whose rounded 10 cm umbel combines blush pink and white flowers with burgundy-purple centres. The Van Noort package contains one size 10/12 bulb for fall planting, set 10 cm deep and at least 10 cm from neighbouring plants. Hardy in Zones 4 to 10, it prefers sun or light partial shade and sharply drained soil. Its fragrant display attracts pollinators, cuts beautifully for bouquets, and retains an attractive dried outline. The distinctive bicoloured florets remain clearly visible from a distance. Good drainage remains essential to protect the bulb during rainy periods. A light mulch limits weeds without trapping excessive moisture around bulbs.
Quantity
1 bulb
Exposure
Full sun to light partial shade
Hardiness
Zones 4 to 10
Difficulty level
Easy
Discover the plant
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Genus
Allium
Species
hybrid
Cultivar
Silver Spring
Type
Fragrant ornamental bulb with bicoloured flowers
Cycle
Bulbous perennial with summer dormancy
‘Silver Spring’ ornamental onion (Allium ‘Silver Spring’) raises a rounded flowerhead about 10 cm across on a straight 90 cm stem. Each small star-shaped bloom combines blush pink and white petals with a burgundy-purple centre, sometimes touched with green. This bicoloured pattern gives the sphere a dotted, almost jewelled appearance unlike uniformly purple Allium. Green strap-shaped basal foliage begins fading as the late-spring display reaches its peak. Elegant and unusual, this cultivar creates a clear vertical accent without making the planting feel heavy. Good drainage remains essential to protect the bulb during rainy periods.
The Van Noort package contains one size 10/12 bulb. Plant it in fall, pointed end upward, 10 cm deep and at least 10 cm from neighbouring plants. Choose full sun or light partial shade in fertile, loose, sharply drained soil. In clay, incorporate fine grit and avoid locations where water collects during winter. Water after planting, then moderately whenever the ground dries during active growth. Discreet support can steady the tall stem in a windy site. After flowering, allow the leaves to yellow completely before removing them so they can restore the bulb’s reserves.
Place Silver Spring in the middle or back of a border, where blush pink and white flowers with burgundy centres can float above neighbouring perennials. Pair it with salvias, irises, peonies, catmint, dark heucheras, and flowing grasses; these plants gradually conceal fading foliage while emphasizing the bicoloured sphere. Fragrant blooms attract bees, bumblebees, and butterflies, are generally avoided by deer, and suit fresh or dried bouquets. One bulb forms a crisp accent; repeat several plants at regular intervals to establish rhythm. The plant remains ornamental and may be toxic to pets if eaten.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Planting depth
100 mm
Spacing / density
10 cm (4 in) between bulbs
Establishment temperature
15 to 18°C (59 to 64°F)
Establishment time
21 to 35 days
Best planting time
Fall
Propagation
Division of offsets in fall during dormancy
Growing method
Plant Silver Spring in fall, ideally four to six weeks before the ground freezes solid. Choose full sun or light partial shade with good air circulation and protection from powerful gusts. Loosen the soil to at least 30 cm. Add mature compost where fertility is poor, but improve clay mainly with fine grit so winter water drains quickly. Set the size 10/12 bulb pointed end upward, 10 cm deep and at least 10 cm from neighbouring plants. Water once to settle the soil. In spring, maintain moderate moisture only when the surface dries. The stem reaches about 90 cm and carries a 10 cm bicoloured umbel; install discreet support before opening if the garden is windy. Cut the flower when nearly all florets are open for bouquets or let it dry in place. Never remove foliage while it remains green. Wait until it has yellowed completely, then reduce irrigation during summer dormancy. Divide offsets in fall whenever the clump becomes crowded and replant them promptly in healthy, drained ground. Good drainage remains essential to protect the bulb during rainy periods. A light mulch limits weeds without trapping excessive moisture around bulbs.
Soil and care
The right conditions.
Exposure
Full sun to light partial shade
Soil pH
Acid to alkaline
Hardiness zone
Zones 4 to 10
Minimum temperature
-34°C (-30°F)
Watering
Water thoroughly immediately after planting, then let fall and spring rainfall supply most of the moisture. During active growth, irrigate only when the top five centimetres of soil feel dry. Apply water directly to the soil rather than over the foliage. Reduce watering gradually after flowering and stop once the leaves turn yellow. In containers, check moisture more often, but always empty the saucer so the bulbs never remain waterlogged.
Soil type
Silver Spring grows well in loose, fertile, sharply drained soil, whether loamy, sandy, improved clay, or slightly chalky. Incorporate mature compost without creating an overly rich pocket beneath the bulb. In heavy ground, mix in fine grit and plant on a slight mound so winter water drains away. Slightly acidic, neutral, or alkaline soil is suitable, provided its structure remains open and the bulb never sits in water.
Fertilization
In early spring, spread a thin layer of mature compost around emerging shoots without covering their bases. In poor soil, add a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer at the lowest recommended rate. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas, which encourage soft foliage at the expense of flowers. After bloom, allow the leaves to replenish the bulb naturally; no summer feeding is needed while the plant is dormant.
Seasonal care
In fall, plant the bulbs 10 cm deep and mark their position so they are not disturbed. Protect new plantings with a light mulch after the soil cools, without burying the crown heavily. In late winter, remove excess mulch and confirm that water drains freely. During spring, weed carefully around emerging shoots, add a little compost, and water only if conditions become dry. Place discreet supports before flowers open when the garden is windy, although sturdy stems normally stand unaided. After bloom, remove spent heads for a tidy appearance or retain a few for their sculptural seed-head outline. Never tie the leaves; let them yellow and dry completely because they rebuild the bulb’s reserves. Reduce watering sharply during summer dormancy. The following fall, lift crowded clumps, separate healthy offsets, and replant them immediately. Watch for blush pink and white rot, downy mildew, slugs, and onion-related pests; remove affected tissue promptly and avoid planting another Allium in contaminated ground. Good drainage remains essential to protect the bulb during rainy periods. A light mulch limits weeds without trapping excessive moisture around bulbs. The flowers attract pollinators and also make elegant fresh bouquets. Grouped planting creates a bright architectural effect throughout the garden border. After flowering, let the foliage yellow completely before removing it. Good drainage remains essential to protect the bulb during rainy periods. A light mulch limits weeds without trapping excessive moisture around bulbs.
Container growing
A controlled environment.
Recommended pot size
At least 40 cm (16 in) wide and 35 cm (14 in) deep
Choose a stable container at least 40 cm wide and 35 cm deep, with numerous drainage holes, so the bicoloured Silver Spring umbel can open without touching neighbouring plants. Raise the pot on feet and fill it with a light mixture of potting soil, mature compost, and fine grit. Set the bulb pointed end upward, 12 to 10 cm deep. Place the container in full sun and shelter it from powerful gusts. Water after planting, then only when the surface dries during active growth. Discreet support may steady the 90 cm stem when its nearly 10 cm flowerhead becomes heavy after rain. Let the head dry if you want to preserve it, and wait until the leaves are completely yellow before removing them. For a Quebec winter, insulate the sides, group pots in a sheltered position, or temporarily bury the container. Never move it into a heated room because the bulb requires cold dormancy. In spring, inspect drainage, renew the upper layer of mix, and feed lightly. Reduce watering sharply during summer dormancy to prevent rot. Good drainage remains essential to protect the bulb during rainy periods. A light mulch limits weeds without trapping excessive moisture around bulbs.
Bloom and dimensions
The complete profile.
Flower color
Blush pink and white with deep purple centres
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Deciduous herbaceous green strap-shaped foliage
Growth rate
Moderate
Bloom period
From late spring into early summer, Silver Spring raises an semi-spherical blush-pink and white umbel on a stem about 90 cm tall. Hundreds of blush-pink and white florets surround deep purple centres, creating an airy sphere that may approach 10 cm across. Progressive opening supports bees, bumblebees, and butterflies. After bloom, the dried head retains its spectacular geometry for a long time and can be cut for enduring indoor arrangements.
Fruiting
None
Harvest
None
Garden associations
What to plant with it.
Good companions
Pair Silver Spring with purple salvias, blue catmint, peonies, irises, hardy geraniums, and fine-textured grasses. These plants share its preference for sun and drained soil while gracefully hiding yellowing Allium foliage. Late tulips extend the spring sequence, whereas coneflowers and black-eyed Susans continue the display in summer. Maintain enough distance from moisture-demanding perennials, however, and avoid dense groundcovers that trap humidity around the bulbs or restrict air circulation. Good drainage remains essential to protect the bulb during rainy periods. A light mulch limits weeds without trapping excessive moisture around bulbs.
Avoid planting with
Watch mainly for blush pink and white rot, downy mildew, and bulb rots in cold or waterlogged soil. Slugs may chew emerging shoots, while thrips and onion flies occasionally cause damage. Prevent problems through excellent drainage, good air circulation, clean tools, and rotation away from other Allium crops. Remove any soft, discoloured, or foul-smelling bulb promptly and do not compost it. Avoid overhead irrigation late in the day and inspect purchased bulbs before planting.
Use Silver Spring in airy groups near the front in sunny borders, repeating groups among perennials or behind shorter plants that will conceal its aging foliage. Its blush-pink and white umbels brighten pastel combinations and contrast beautifully with purple flowers. This cultivar suits fresh bouquets, dried seed heads, pollinator gardens, and large containers. Plant several bulbs together for stronger visual impact while preserving the recommended spacing and good air circulation. Good drainage remains essential to protect the bulb during rainy periods. A light mulch limits weeds without trapping excessive moisture around bulbs.
From the garden to inspiration.
The flowers are not intended for consumption. They are grown primarily for their elegance, delicate fragrance, and appeal to pollinators. The flower clusters are beautiful in fresh or dried bouquets and remain decorative for a long time.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
Yes. Silver Spring is a perennial bulb suited approximately to zones 4 through 10 when grown in sharply drained soil. In Quebec, winter survival depends mainly on preventing standing water around the bulb. Plant at the recommended depth, apply only a light mulch after the soil cools, and remove excess mulch in spring. Always let the foliage yellow completely after flowering so it can replenish the bulb. In a container, insulate the sides against rapid freeze-thaw cycles without moving the pot into a heated room, because the bulb requires a cold dormant period. Good drainage remains essential to protect the bulb during rainy periods.
Poor flowering often results from insufficient sun, waterlogged soil, shallow planting, or foliage removed too early during the previous year. Give the plant several hours of direct sunlight, ensure rapid drainage, and retain every leaf until it yellows naturally. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer, which mainly encourages foliage. If the clump has become crowded, lift it in fall, separate healthy offsets, and replant them 10 cm deep. Small offsets may require several growing seasons before reaching flowering size, while mature bulbs should bloom reliably under bright, well-drained conditions. Good drainage remains essential to protect the bulb during rainy periods. A light mulch limits weeds without trapping excessive moisture around bulbs.
Yes, provided you use a heavy, sharply drained container at least 40 cm wide and 35 cm deep. Fill it with a light potting mix amended with mature compost and fine grit, then set the bulb 12 to 10 cm deep. Place the pot in full sun and shelter it from gusts that could catch the broad umbel. Water when the surface dries and always empty the saucer. For a Quebec winter, insulate the sides or temporarily bury the pot in a protected position, but do not move it into a heated room. Good drainage remains essential to protect the bulb during rainy periods.
Cut umbels for bouquets when most of the small flowers have opened. In the garden, remove spent heads if you want to prevent seedlings, or retain them for their sculptural appearance. Foliage requires a different rule: never cut, tie, or braid it while it remains green. At that stage it is producing the reserves needed for next year’s flowers. Wait until every leaf is completely yellow and dry before removing it easily. At the same time, reduce watering gradually so the bulb enters summer dormancy in comparatively dry soil. Good drainage remains essential to protect the bulb during rainy periods.
Its strengths, naturally.
Not recommended for pets
Pets
Attracts or supports pollinating insects
Pollinators
Plants that attract butterflies
Butterflies
Helps repel certain pests
Repellent
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer
Deer
