Allium

("Ornamental onion")

Origins:

Many hundreds of Allium species exist, but only a modest few have made a name for themselves as garden plants. The genus, Allium also includes important plants used for human consumption such as onions, leeks, shallots and the familiar cooking herb, chives.

Planting Tips:

All Alliums require a well-drained soil and most species prefer a sunny habitat, but a few also grow beautifully in full or partial shade. Alliums are definitely displayed at their best when planted among perennial plants in the border. This will hide their leaves (which wither quickly after flowering and aren't that attractive to begin with) beneath the foliage of the now quickly emerging perennials. Taller alliums are particularly impressive towering over lower-growing plants and groundcovers.

Flowers in the Allium Family

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