Allium Gladiator Globemaster?

Hi everybody--

Does anyone know if the giant alliums (I have both kinds) are supposed to increase and comeback year after year?

I thought so, but mine are few and far between this year and the bloom heads on the ones that did come back seem smaller to me...

If so, wonder what I did wrong? do the critters like them? I thought not, but maybe so...

At the price per bulb they charge, I was expecting an increase...

Thanks for your thoughts. t.

Did you fertilize the plants last year, and deadheaded spent blooms ? (typically reason for smaller blooms).
They do multiply, but sometimes it can take a few seasons to get settled.

Well, maybe it will take another season. I thought I fertilized and dead headed, but...will be sure to do it this time..

K. do you know if the voles like them? I thought not, but...

Thanks. t.

tabasco,

I planted 6 Globemasters I bought from Van Engelen in the fall of 2003. None of them returned this spring, so don't feel bad! Usually I have good luck with bulbs returning.

Steve,

How cold does it get at your house in the winter? Perhaps they didn't like your winter weather?

Lori

ladyrowan,

It gets cold enough for hyacinths and daffodils to return with no problem, as well as lilies and even some types of tulips. I got peonies to bloom this year as well. I planted them in raised beds and my soil is well drained. Certainly not too cold :-) Don't know why they did not return. I would have thought Alliums would be one of the easiest for me. My Purple Sensations did not come back either - not even leaves.

Hmmm....

That is odd. My alliums come back each year, along with my daffodils. Have you dug around to see if they are still there? Perhaps an animal had a good onion dinner one night.

Lori

Well, I guess misery loves company, Steve, because I am somewhat consoled that your didn't come back either! ;-) And I know you're an excellent bulb gardener!

I'll dig around tomorrow and see if there is anything left in the allium spot...

Thanks Tabasco - as are you :-) I guess some things just aren't meant to be for some of us!

I'll dig around, ladyrowan - neither is in a place that gets very wet, so I don;t know how they could have rotted. Plus I thought animals hated onions!

I have a friend here about 3 miles from me who sent me this picture of his allium blooming - and he has been in this house for 6 years and he said he didn't plant them, so they've been there at least that long. About 5 ft tall, too, and the flowers are just starting to open up. They look like they're white though. He took this for me today at his house.