The Curly Allium Sold as “Snake Ball”: What It Really Is, How It Grows, and How to Use It in Rising Form

Horticulture

February 27, 2026

The Curly Allium Sold as “Snake Ball”: What It Really Is, How It Grows, and How to Use It in Rising Form

I saw a dramatically curling allium at the wholesaler and was told it was “Snake Ball.” It wasn’t. Here’s what it really is, how it grows, how to condition it, and why it’s so compelling in Rising Form.

The Curly Allium Sold as “Snake Ball ” - What It Really Is, How It Grows, and How to Use It in Rising Form

I wasn’t looking for it.

I was at the wholesaler, scanning buckets the way we all do — branch, foliage, texture, line.

And then I saw it.

Long, looping stems. Dramatic curves. Movement that looked almost drawn rather than grown. It reminded me of plant illustrations I’ve seen in Japanese reference books — expressive, alive, unapologetically linear.

I asked what it was.

“Snake Ball Allium,” I was told.

I ordered it for our upcoming class.

Only later did I learn that the name wasn’t quite right.

What Is It, Really?

The dramatically curling allium often sold in the floral trade as “Snake Ball” is typically Allium vineale ‘Hair’, sometimes marketed as:

Curly Allium
Hair Allium
Snake Allium

True “Snake Ball Allium” more properly refers to Allium sphaerocephalon (Drumstick Allium), which grows mostly upright and produces small burgundy oval flower heads.

The curly form is different.

Plant names in the cut flower trade are sometimes used loosely. When growth habit matters — and in ikebana it absolutely does — confirming the botanical name helps ensure you receive what you expect.

In this case, the surprise was delightful.

Botanical Overview: Allium vineale ‘Hair’

Genus: Allium
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Hardiness Zones: 4–8
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soil is essential

Unlike the upright drumstick allium, this form produces naturally looping, twisting stems. The flower heads are small and textural, often appearing as clustered bulbils rather than classic spherical blooms.

In some regions, Allium vineale can naturalize readily and should be planted thoughtfully.

How It Grows

Plant bulbs in fall.

Depth: Approximately three times the height of the bulb
Spacing: 3–4 inches apart
Full sun preferred
Excellent drainage is critical

Once established, it returns reliably.

The curling stems are a natural growth habit — not forced, not trained. That organic movement is what makes it so visually compelling.

"*Snake Ball Allium*", Mayesh Wholesale Florist

What the Japanese Texts Say

In my Japanese plant references, I did not find an entry specifically for this curly form.

However, I did find an entry for Allium cowanii, another ornamental allium species.

Its handling note is beautifully simple:

“Water absorption is good; flowers will last about 10 days.”

There is no mention of scorching, crushing, or special techniques — just good water uptake and reasonable longevity.

While species differ, ornamental alliums share similar stem structure and vascular characteristics. Based on that, we can reasonably expect the curly allium form to behave similarly when properly conditioned.

In practice, this proved true.

Conditioning for Ikebana

Despite its dramatic curves, ornamental alliums are straightforward to handle.

Here is what works reliably:

1. Re-cut Stems Cleanly

The stems are firm and fibrous. A fresh, clean cut improves water uptake.

2. Remove Lower Foliage

Leaves yellow quickly and distract from the line.

3. Hydrate Thoroughly

Place stems in clean, cool water for several hours before arranging.

4. Consider the Sap

As members of the onion family, freshly cut stems may release a mild sulfur scent. Hydrating separately before combining with delicate materials can be helpful.