Ornamental alliums are a striking addition to the spring and early summer flower bed. Alliums are part of the onion family, but are grown for their colorful blossoms rather than the flavorful bulbs. All of the ornamental versions are colorful, pest-proof and impressive – but Nancy and I planted a new one last year that we recommend especially highly. And we have another in mind that we will plant this fall.

We bought our Allium schubertii from Bluestone Perennials, a high-quality, family-owned company in Ohio. The plant grows only about 18 inches tall, but the spiky reddish-purple blossoms are about a foot across and resemble a 1950s Sputnik-like satellite with all those spiky antennae.

The bloom stays standing a long time – until animals or high winds knock it over – although it does turn brown. My wife Nancy stuck one of the dried, knocked-over plants into a pin holder and it is on display in our kitchen still.

The odd-looking allium we are going to try this fall is Allium “Hair,” which, like the schubertii, has long tendrils in the flower but they are more curved. This allium bloom looks like someone having an very bad hair day.

Plant the bulbs about 6 inches deep in early fall. Since pests won’t eat them, you don’t have to wait as late as you do to plant tulips. Keep them 6 to 8 inches apart, so the wide blossoms won’t interfere with each other.

Schubertii is Zone 5, meaning according to USDA hardiness maps, it’s good only in southern and coastal Maine. Hair is Zone 4, which will be OK in most of the state. And most alliums live on for years, so you’ll be planting for your enjoyment for years to come.