Allium azureum probably. We have a few of those too - I like them better than the usual big purple-y ones.

Thanks 'woody'. That is it.

(Is it usual that it blooms lots later than the "big purply ones"? If so that is a bonus)

Yes, it blooms later. Allium sphaerocephalon is next to bloom here. They've just started in the last day or so. I like their color and shape - but they seed around like mad! The A. azureum don't seem to seed very heavily so they haven't multiplied much here.

I have this one too and the blooms always seem apropos for 4th of July - looks like fireworks.

A. azureum don't seem to seed very heavily so they haven't multiplied much here.

I have made a note to buy more this Fall and to plant them in groups to offset the smaller flower on each.

I am looking forward to having our 3 Allium Millenium plants flower later this month.

Rouge - it occurred to me that, if you like the blue allium, you might like Brodiaea laxa (name recently changed to Triteleia laxa). I gather it's a native of California and other places on the west coast, but it grows for me here in the south alley bed against the house. It might not survive for you but it might be worth a try on the south side of the house. My A. azureums are just fading while these ones nearby are still fresh (although overwhelmed by other stuff!) I got them from Vesseys a number of years ago. They are in their spring catalog, not the fall one. These don't seem to spread at all. I like the color and the perky little flowers:

The fading nearby alliums:

'woody' you are the best. Thanks so much for the info.

Rouge and Woody, when I tried Brodiaea laxa, it didn't survive the winter. I think I will need to try the Allium azureum.

I tried Brodiaea as well and it didn't make it either. (zone 6 a- 5 b depending on the winter!) But I wouldn't let that stop me from trying it once)

Thanks Barb and Marie for your experiences. (Remember 'woody' is the Plant Whisperer :)).

Babs, 'Queen Fabiola' has been reliable here for a number of years. I find it a bit floppy. The foliage lays on the ground and the flower stalks stand up about halfway. I can dig a few up if you want to try that variety.

i do like that blue allium. Will have to put that on my list.......

LOL 'plant whisperer'...! Nope, I just like to experiment - and sometimes the experiments work:-). I think the important factor in the survival of the Brodiaea here is that it is on the south side of the house and in a bed against the house wall, so it is sheltered and warm and dry. The one in the pictures above has been there 10 years or so. The ones I planted in more open locations have gradually disappeared. They are a bit floppy, but I like them. I suspect the 'laxa' part of the name is a description of the growth habit!

Thanks 'woody'. I have a few of the drumsticks as well. I am hoping they multiply!

(Btw, I see there is a "new" allium available for this Fall called OSTARA:

OSTARA )

How long have you had your drumsticks? Believe me, they WILL multiply!

The ostara looks interesting but I think I'm too wary now of the seeding.... I notice that the description on that one says the foliage remains good through the flowering period - but I'm sure it'll probably do the usual collapse right afterwards :-)

My blue allium has always been very floppy. Only have one or two bulbs as it hasn't multiplied.

Allium sphaerocephalon is next to bloom here

Anyone tried the allium known as "Red Mohican"? (At first glance it looks a bit like sphaerocephalon).

RED MOHICAN