Allium
If you’re looking for a unique and eye-catching addition to your garden, look no further than alliums. These stunning, globe-shaped flowers are a member of the onion family, and come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and bloom times. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color to your garden beds or create a bold statement with dramatic, towering blooms, alliums are a versatile and rewarding choice for gardeners of all levels.
Fun fact: While they are most commonly known for their ornamental value in gardens and flower arrangements, many species of alliums are also edible and are commonly used in cooking to add flavor to dishes. Some popular varieties of edible alliums include onions, garlic, chives, and leeks.
Is it too late to grow them in the spring?
Allium bulbs should be planted in the fall, ideally 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes in your area. This will give the bulbs enough time to establish their root systems before winter sets in, which will help them to grow strong and healthy in the spring.
How tall do alliums grow?
As for their height, alliums can range in size from tiny 4-inch plants to towering varieties that can reach up to 4 feet or more in height. The size of the flower head can also vary widely, from small and delicate to large and showy. Some of the most popular allium varieties include ‘Globemaster’, which can grow up to 3 feet tall with 10-inch diameter flower heads, and ‘Purple Sensation’, which grows to a height of around 2 feet with smaller, 4-inch diameter flowers.
How long do they stay in bloom?
Alliums generally bloom after daffodils. Daffodils typically bloom in early spring, while most types of alliums come out in late spring or early summer.
Most alliums stay in bloom for several weeks in late spring or early summer. The blooms of some larger allium varieties, such as Allium giganteum, can last for several weeks, while smaller alliums, like Allium moly, may only bloom for a week or two.
Alliums can be grown in a variety of locations in the landscape, depending on the size and variety of the plant. Smaller alliums can be planted in rock gardens or used as edging along garden beds, while larger alliums can be planted in the middle or back of a flower bed to provide a dramatic focal point.
Alliums also look great when planted in groups, either in clusters of the same variety or mixed with other complementary plants. They can be planted in garden beds, containers, or even in meadow gardens for a more natural look.
When choosing a location to plant your alliums, keep in mind that they prefer well-draining soil in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Alliums are also deer and rodent resistant, which makes them a great choice for gardens in areas where these animals are present.
Do they smell like garlic or onion?
The smell of alliums grown in the garden, including their leaves and flowers, is generally not overpowering or obvious. While the foliage of some allium varieties, such as garlic chives or onion chives, can have a distinct onion or garlic scent when crushed or brushed, the smell is usually not strong enough to fill the surrounding air.
Allium flowers, on the other hand, are not known for their fragrance, and typically do not produce a noticeable scent. Overall, the subtle aromas of allium plants can be a nice addition to the garden without being too overpowering or distracting.
From their striking appearance to their easy-to-grow nature, alliums are a garden favorite for many reasons. Whether you’re looking to create a stunning focal point or simply add a pop of color to your garden beds, alliums are a versatile and rewarding choice that are sure to impress. So why not give them a try in your own garden and experience the beauty and charm of these unique and fascinating flowers? With their striking appearance and easy-to-grow nature, alliums are sure to delight and inspire you year after year.
