U City in Bloom staff have written plant profiles in the past focusing on a particular plant. I want to do
something a little different this time and focus on a flower shape. I love globe-shaped flowers, I think
there is something special about them. I don’t know if they seem whimsical/playful, or if I am just
mysteriously attracted to them.
I enjoy this quote from Kelly Norris’ book New Naturalism “Never underestimate the power of a
well-placed ball on a stick, in this case Allium sphaerocephalon (drumstick onion).
Vertically combined with a strong geometry can never fail, aesthetically speaking.
Our eyes just don’t expect it.” I do love Alliums in particular because there is a variety of flower sizes,
colors, plant heights, bloom times, some grow from bulbs planted in the fall with foliage that dies back
shortly after flowering, others are clump-forming perennials with attractive strap-like leaves throughout
the growing season.
Globe shaped flowers can be found on annual plants, like one of my favorites on the below left, Gomphrena. Perennials with round flowers include Eryngium yuccifolium on the right.
If you are looking to add fun and interest to your garden plan this year, consider adding globe flowers for some pop to your landscape.
