Allium

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Common Name

Allium

Scientific Name

Ornamental Onion

Plant Category

Perennial

Location

Southwestern Asia, temperate regions

Height

6-18 inches

Width

4-8 inches

Blooming Season

Spring, late summer

Plant Habit

Plants grow upright and flowers form in clusters

Color

Lavender, purple, white and yellow

Sun

Full sun

Soil

Average to rich, well-drained soil

Water

Adequate moisture

Plant Characteristics

Flowers form an umbel at the top of a leafless stalk. Plants have strappy, undistinguished leaves and straight tubular flower stalks. Flowers form in clusters and are best known in the round pom-pom form. Attractive to humming birds.

Usage

Dried flowers, cut flowers, border plants, ornamental plants

Information

Alliums are the genus of onions with about 1250 species of perennial bulbous plants. The allium family includes a wide range of plants from chives to small bulbs with tiny, beautiful flowers for rock gardens to the drumsticks with stout vertical stems. Allium species generally occur in temperate climates of the northern hemisphere. They produce chemical compounds that give them a characteristic onion or garlic taste and odor, and many are used as food plants. Allium bulbs vary in size between species, from very small to rather big. Some species develop thickened leaf-bases rather than forming bulbs. There are several species of alliums or onions that are grown exclusively for their flowers instead of their bulbous structures.One of the most popular species is the Allium hollandicum, which is also known as ‘Purple Sensation’.

Growing Tips

Most alliums grow best in average to rich, well-drained soil with good drainage in full sun. They do best in full moisture. New bulbs should be planted in the fall and divide crowded clumps after they are done flowering. Plant small bulbs at a depth of 4 to 6 inches and large bulbs at a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Flower heads can be left on the plant to dry since alliums do not repeat bloom. Foliage should be kept watered after flowering to feed the plants.

Common Problems

Plants are generally quite free from pests and diseases, but slugs can be a real problem. Sometimes, foliage can wither and turn yellow or brown. Leaves then die, resulting in bare spots in the garden. If this happens, remove affected leaves and use other plants to hide bare spots. Most alliums self-sow, or produce offspring from seeds they shed. Hence, allium seedlings can spread into other plantings where they are not wanted. One solution is to practice good garden maintenance to prevent seeding and regrowth.