A (probably stupid) allium question

[cardamoncoffee]

I've seen alliums that are in big clumps and have about 8-10 spike things and look very impressive. Has this resulted from planting 8-10 bulbs together (each bulb producing a spike) or does one bulb make several spikes? Apologies in advance as I know it is probably a stupid question!

One. Bulb one spike

Yeah, one bulb produces one flower- BUT, they do start to 'clump up' over time, so you will eventually get the look you want.

I got some giant alium bulbs. Y1, 1 spike. Y2 2 spikes, Y3 3 spikes. Y4 awaited.

They are fabulous.

MrsBert that sounds amazing! When the spikes did back does the whole plant did and disappear until the next year? Or does some foilage remain?

Beware, many of the giant aliums will produce good tall flowers for a few years and will then get progressively shorter until they are dwarf.

Like many tulips, they don't improve year on year, rather they start to lose their strength and virility.

I've grown christophii and found them receding after three to five years. Not clump forming at all.

Yes, I have christophii too, and they aren't increasing at all.

Here's one of the giants in Y1. Don't seem to have a pic of them more recently.