Once the 500,000 tulips have finished flowering, the double ribbon transforms to offer a second, equally enchanting spectacle: from early May (or earlier, depending on spring temperatures), 100,000 alliums take over.
A double purple ribbon made up of 100,000 flowers
With their tall, slender stems and perfectly geometric flower heads, alliums lend an almost sculptural touch to the landscape.
Their deep mauve hue, shimmering in the light, creates a unique sense of perspective that guides visitors on a stroll between the château and the reflecting pool. As if suspended above the ground, these delicate blooms seem to float above the trail left by the tulips, prolonging the magic of spring at Cheverny.
Alliums: a plant that bridges botany and poetry
Belonging to the large Amaryllidaceae family, alliums are ornamental bulbs closely related to onions and garlic, but grown for the spectacular beauty of their spherical flower heads.
Each purple ball is made up of hundreds of small star-shaped flowers, arranged in a perfect natural formation. Their late flowering, hardiness and ability to attract bees and butterflies make them very popular with both gardeners and walkers.
When does flowering begin?
The flowering of alliums is closely linked to the weather: a warmer spring can bring forward their bloom, whilst cooler temperatures encourage them to flower gradually. This element of unpredictability is part of nature’s charm and makes every visit a unique experience.
A natural echo of the monumental alliums in the Orangery
This double ribbon of 100,000 alliums is also a nod to the giant alliums installed in front of the Orangerie, which are the work ofAlexis Boyer, an artisan specialising in monumental floral sculptures.