Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Allium

Allium is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of lifting and drying tender bulbs before autumn frosts in the early stages and paid for it. squirrel and mouse predation on newly planted bulbs also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a container for a doorstep or patio display which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. increasing clump size year on year when well established is visible but muted. planting new bulbs in autumn for next year's display gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.