Why would the link suggest NOT planting closely? Because when they multiply, they have split, and those split bulbs will grow larger and split, etc. I most things, if not given good spacing when initially planted, they will soon become crowded, and bloom less and less, making it necessary to dig and divide them. In my case, I don't want those 3 bulbs sitting there. What should I do? If I dig them up carefully can I move them closer to the others? I have no experience with alliums, so hopefully an allium person will reply. If I dig them up carefully can I move them closer to the others? Might that cause additional crowding to the ones that are already planted too closely? Maybe move those 3 to another area? If those are bulbs that have split, they 'should' be right next to the bulb they split off from....hmmm...I dunno... Sue

Here in zone 6a Chicago my shallots, perennial leeks, potato onions, bunching onions, walking onions and garlic have remained green all winter and have barely been phased by snowstorms or freezes. Last fall, I also planted a huge amount of ornamental alliums scattered thoughout all of my garden beds. The Allium sphaerocephalon started to emerge in Januaary and it already 3-4 inches tall in sheltered spots. As far as I can tell, there is no sign yet of the other smaller species that I planted, though the bulbs look healthy and are sending out roots (I poked around a bit to see how things fared over winter). Among my large globe alliums, several each of my 'Ambassador' and 'Globemaster' are thrusting out the beginnings of giant cones of leaves. My 'Gladiator' have not yet started to emerge but they are in a spot that tends to remain cooler and frozen longer. I have read that it is normal for many *established* winter hardy species to begin sending out foliage in autumn. Most of these are extremely hardy and should be able to handle freezes in stride, even with foliage. The tips of the very large globe allium leaves can sometimes get frost damaged in early spring, but it is seldom enough to harm them or affect blooming in any way. I absolutely love alliums. They are among my very, very favorite plants for their beauty, uniqueness, diversity, squirrel repellant properties and, yes, their amazing flavors, LOL! :-)

Not uncommon, some species naturally come up in the fall with the foliage persisting through winter. Any winter damage, though unsightly, will grow out. Garlic does this all the time for example.

Lots of bulbs do this with erratic fall weather. They think a warm day is spring. Doesn't hurt them a bit.