I planted 5 bulbs in fall 2011.They were beautiful the next spring.
This year there werent but 2or 3 bulbs that returned.
Has anyone had any experience with this allium variety?
I was sure they would multiply instead of recede.

Jo Ann,

I've not tried that particular allium variety. But most of the larger alliums disappear after a couple years in my garden. They seem to be short lived perennials.

Silver Spring is about the same size as Purple Sensation. The bulbs were so expensive I just bought 5 to make a statement in a small garden. If they dont come back this third season ( 2014 ) I will not replace them.
The website images of them in large drifts are amazing but I didnt win the lottery this year.

I planted 10 Silver Spring last December, Jo Ann, and five bloomed 5/21 (in one location) and the other five bloomed 20' away on 5/31 (first flowers open). I'll be able to judge how well they return in 2014. All alliums seem to require excellent drainage or they're doomed.

I guess our clay soil is partly to blame.

That could be. It is a pretty one and goes well with the large headed purple allium and yet the photos online seem prettier than the plant is in the garden. They always look best in a large group so keep buying those lottery tickets.

There is a image of them massed with black peony tulips that is very nice.
If there isnt a WOW factor spring of 2014 I wont replace them.No sense throwing good money after bad.
I see the J Scheepers price is down as opposed to White flower Farm who has them for $10.00 per bulb.

It would be nice if they expanded greatly as small alliums do!

I don't expect any sale prices at WFF.