Arundel Castle will once again burst into colour in May this year as it hosts its much-anticipated Allium Extravaganza, transforming the historic gardens into a breathtaking tapestry of purple, amethyst and white.
Visitors will be treated to a striking display of thousands of alliums in full bloom, their elegant spherical heads rising above the borders to create a bold, architectural spectacle. Taking centre stage is the stunning purple, star-shaped Globemaster variety, reaching over 1.5m in height. Other stand-out varieties, including Purple Rain, Gladiator and Christophii, will be woven through the castle’s English herbaceous borders, along with favourites such as Mount Everest and the breathtaking purple heads of Round and Purple.
This year’s display will also feature unusual alliums, including Bulgaricum Syn Nectaroscordum Siculum with its white, bell-like flowers and deep, brown-red centres. The Stumpery Garden will showcase the unusual purple Hair variety with its wispy green top, alongside Art, a favourite among florists for its unique look, and the violet-coloured Spider and Schubertii. Meanwhile, Cowanii, a pretty, small, white allium, sits peacefully in the white garden of the Fitzalan Chapel.
Martin Duncan, award-winning Head Gardener at Arundel Castle, said:
“Gardeners love alliums for their hardiness, ease of growth and long-lasting impact, bringing structure, texture and movement to planting schemes. The trick is finding the right allium for the right location! Set against the dramatic backdrop of the castle, and the thousands of Camassia which will be in flower at the same time, these allium blooms create a mesmerising scene and are also fantastic for wildlife, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.”
Crowned Historic Houses Garden of the Year 2025, Arundel Castle gardens have been recognised for their outstanding horticulture and public appeal, making this event the perfect opportunity to experience them at their finest.
The Allium Extravaganza is expected to bloom throughout May 2026. However, as flowering times are weather-dependent, visitors are encouraged to check Arundel Castle’s website and social media channels for the latest updates on peak displays.
Garden-only tickets are available at www.arundelcastle.org, priced at £17 per adult and £8 per child (Garden only tickets are not available on Event Days including 23rd to 25th May – see website for further details). Children under five years old can enter for free.
