Adding fireworks to flaming June, Allium schubertii's small bomb-like buds will, at this time, explode into giant spheres of silver violet and lilac florets suspended on radiating stems. Some are as long as 23cm (9"), while others are just 7cm (3") wide. All in all the spheres may be a staggering 38cm (15in) wide, nearly twice as big as those of Allium cristophii, another giant, although they are carried at about the same height. 

Foliage is substantial - broad, green and arching - but it will begin to die back from the tips when flowers appear. Grasses and bushier perennials will help hide it. 

Plant Allium schubertii deep and wide - 15cm (6") deep; 40cm (16") apart - in warm sunny soil. It will self seed. Come July or August, the sterile outer flower spokes will protect the inner fertile ones as schubertii's tumbleweed seed heads roll alway, setting seed as they go. If you want to collect and plant your own seed (they should come true), you'll need to grab them before they do this - the seed heads are also great for dried flower arrangements. 

Allium schubertii was first described in 1843, and it is one of only a few alliums with a pleasant non-onion scent.