Overrated for ease, underrated for beauty — Allium

People describe Allium as easy and I'd push back on that slightly. lifting and drying tender bulbs before autumn frosts needs consistent attention and narcissus fly larvae tunnelling into the base of the bulb can undermine progress quickly if ignored.

Where Allium is genuinely underrated is the beauty. some of the earliest colour in the garden after winter is extraordinary when you see it in person. I display it in a container for a doorstep or patio display and it gets comments from everyone who sees it. peak spring bulb display from tulips and daffodils is the time to really understand what this plant offers. Not for the truly neglectful gardener, but absolutely worth the attention it requires.