All About Alliums: Planting Guide & Beautiful Varieties for Your Garden from Bloomin Designs Nursery

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Allium

Allium

Allium 'Serendipity' (4) 1-gallons

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Allium

Allium 'Millenium' (4) 1-gallons

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Allium

Allium 'Serendipity' (4) 1-gallons

Allium 'Serendipity' PPAF (4) 1-gallons Cannot ship to Idaho. Common Name: Ornamental OnionThe word 'serendipity' means an unexpected occurrence, and what a fitting name for this sport of the...

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Allium

Allium 'Millenium' (4) 1-gallons

Allium 'Millenium' (4) 1-gallons Cannot ship to Idaho. Common Name: Onion-Ornamental. Zones 5 to 8 Full Sun to Part Shade. Mature height of 15 to 20 inches and a spread of 10 to 15 inches...

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Allium‘s Zone, Characteristics and How to Use In The Landscape

The genus Allium includes a wide variety of plants commonly known as onions, garlic, chives, leeks, and ornamental alliums. There are over seven hundred species of alliums, and they come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors.

Zones

Most alliums are cold hardy and can be grown in USDA zones 3 to 8. However, there is some variation between species, so it is important to check the specific needs of the allium you are interested in planting. Here is a quick guide:

Zones 3-4:
Zones 4-5: Onions, leeks, chives, society garlic
Zones 5-6: Korean garlic chives, Kunlun garlic chives
Zones 6-7: Daffodil chives, Chinese chives
Zones 7-8: Garlic

Characteristics

Alliums are typically herbaceous perennials, although some are biennials or annuals. They have bulbs or corms, and their leaves are slender and grass-like. The flowers of alliums are borne in clusters on top of a stalk. They come in a variety of colors, including white, purple, pink, yellow, and red.

How to Use In The Landscape

Alliums are a versatile group of plants that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. Here are a few ideas:

Flower beds: Alliums can be used as a focal point in a flower bed, or they can be planted in mass for a stunning display.
Borders: Alliums can add height and interest to borders.
Rock gardens: Alliums are well-suited to rock gardens, as they are drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
Containers: Alliums can be grown in containers, which makes them a great choice for small spaces.

Planting

Alliums are generally easy to grow. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Plant alliums in the fall, a few weeks before the ground freezes. Plant the bulbs or corms at a depth of two to three times their height. Water the plants well after planting, and then mulch around them to help retain moisture and protect the bulbs from freezing.

Care

Alliums are relatively low-maintenance plants. They do not need to be fertilized frequently, and they are not susceptible to many pests or diseases. Once established, alliums are drought-tolerant and will only need to be watered occasionally during dry periods.

Here are some additional tips for growing alliums:

Deadhead alliums after they have flowered to prevent them from going to seed.
Divide alliums every three to five years to prevent them from becoming overcrowded.
Alliums are generally deer- and rabbit-resistant.

With a little care, alliums can be a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to your landscape.

Allium Care Guide: Spacing, Water, Sunlight, Soil, and More

Alliums, the fascinating group including onions, garlic, and ornamental varieties, thrive with the right care. Here is a breakdown to keep your alliums happy:

Sunlight:

Alliums are sun worshippers! Aim for at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and vibrant blooms.

Watering:

Spring and Fall: Consistent watering is key during these active growing seasons. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Summer: Established alliums are fairly drought-tolerant. Water moderately during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Winter: Most alliums are dormant in winter. Water minimally if there is little to no rainfall.

Soil:

Alliums prefer well-draining soil. Here is how to achieve that:

Amend clay soil with sand or compost for better drainage.
Sandy soil might require more frequent watering, especially during hot summers.

Spacing:

When planting, consider the mature size of your allium variety. Here is a general guideline:

Small alliums (chives): 4-6 inches apart
Medium alliums (ornamental alliums): 8-12 inches apart
Large alliums (garlic): 12-18 inches apart

Additional Tips:

Feeding: Alliums generally do not require frequent fertilization. A light feeding with a balanced fertilizer in early spring can be beneficial.
Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and prevent seed production.
Dividing: Every 3-5 years, divide overcrowded clumps to maintain healthy growth and flower production.

Bonus Tip: Alliums are known for their deer and rabbit resistance, making them a great choice for areas with these annoying critters!

By following these simple guidelines, your alliums will reward you with beautiful blooms and, in the case of edibles, delicious flavors!

Allium’s Flower Colors, Forms, Bloom Time and Pollinators

Alliums are a diverse group of plants, and their ornamental varieties boast a stunning array of colors, forms, bloom times, and attract a variety of pollinators. Here is a breakdown:

Flower Colors:

Forget the typical white or purple onion! Alliums come in a vibrant spectrum, including:

Classic: Purple, violet, and white (most common)
Bold: Deep red, maroon, and yellow
Unique: Soft pink, blue, and even greenish-white

Flower Forms:

The shape of the flower head adds to the visual interest of alliums. Here are some common forms:

Globe-shaped: The most popular, resembling balls of tiny florets (e.g., Allium aflatunense)
Star-shaped: Delicate, flat clusters with star-like florets (e.g., Allium christophii)
Umbellifer: Flattened clusters with individual florets on stalks radiating outwards (e.g., Garlic chives)
Bells: Dangling clusters of bell-shaped florets (e.g., Drumstick allium)

Bloom Time:

Alliums extend their floral beauty throughout spring and summer:

Early Spring: Siberian chives, garlic chives
Mid-Spring: Many ornamental alliums like Allium moly and Purple Sensation
Late Spring/Early Summer: Gladiator alliums and others
Early Summer: Daffodil chives, Chinese chives

Pollinators:

Alliums are a welcome sight for pollinators! Their fragrant blooms and nectar attract a variety of beneficial insects:

Bees: Major pollinators for alliums, especially bumblebees and honeybees.
Butterflies: Particularly attracted to brightly colored varieties.
Hoverflies: These beneficial insects also feed on nectar and help control garden pests.

With their diverse colors, forms, and long bloom times, alliums can be a stunning addition to your garden, while also providing a feast for pollinators!

Allium’s Latin Name Pronunciation, Common Names and Botanical Names

Latin Name Pronunciation:

The Latin name for the genus that includes onions, garlic, and ornamental flowering plants is Allium (AL-lee-um). Here is a breakdown of the pronunciation:

AL: Pronounced like the "a" in "father."
lee: Pronounced like the "ee" in "feet."
um: Pronounced like the "um" in "dumb."

Common Names:

Alliums come in a wide variety, and many have specific common names based on their appearance, use, or origin. Here are some examples:

Edible Alliums: Onion, garlic, shallot, leek, chive
Ornamental Alliums: Globe alliums (e.g., Allium aflatunense), Drumstick allium, Siberian chives, Daffodil chives

Botanical Names:

In addition to common names, each allium species has a unique scientific name following the binomial nomenclature system. This name consists of two parts:

Genus: Allium (always capitalized)
Species epithet: A descriptive word or phrase (lowercased)

For example, the common chive is Allium schoenoprasum. Here, Allium is the genus, and schoenoprasum is the species epithet.

By knowing both common names and botanical names, you can effectively communicate about these fascinating plants!

Allium’s Critter, Pest and Disease Resistance

Alliums are generally admired for their resilience against critters, pests, and diseases. Here is a breakdown of their resistance:

Critter Resistance:

One of the biggest advantages of alliums is their deer and rabbit resistance. This is thanks to the presence of sulfur compounds in their leaves and bulbs, which these critters find unappetizing.

Pest Resistance:

Alliums also have some natural pest resistance:

Aphids: The strong scent of alliums can deter aphids.
Fungal diseases: Many alliums are resistant to fungal diseases that commonly plague other flowering plants.

However, it is important to note that complete pest immunity is not guaranteed. Here are some potential issues:

Chewing pests: Slugs and snails with a strong appetite may munch on allium foliage, especially young plants.
Grubs: These underground feeders can damage allium bulbs.

Disease Resistance:

As mentioned earlier, alliums are generally resistant to fungal diseases. However, here are two potential diseases to watch for:

Botrytis rot: This fungal disease can cause gray mold on the flowers and leaves, especially in cool, damp conditions.
Neck rot: This fungal disease can infect alliums in storage, causing the neck of the bulb to soften and rot.

Maintaining Allium Health:

Here are some tips to keep your alliums healthy:

Proper planting: Ensure good drainage to prevent fungal issues.
Watering: Avoid overwatering, which can encourage rot.
Crop rotation: Practice crop rotation to disrupt potential pest and disease cycles.
Physical barriers: For persistent critters like slugs, use physical barriers like copper tape or diatomaceous earth.

By following these practices, you can create a healthy environment for your alliums to thrive!

Allium Bare Root Planting

Planting bare root alliums is a breeze! Here is a guide to get you started:

Planting Time:

The ideal time for planting bare root alliums depends on your climate:

Fall: Generally recommended in zones 3-7. Plant alliums 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes to allow for root establishment before winter.
Early Spring: Possible in zones 5-8, as long as the ground isn't frozen. However, fall planting is preferable for best results.

Choosing Bare Root Alliums:

Select plump and firm bulbs with healthy roots.
Avoid any bulbs that are soft, mushy, or shriveled.

Preparing for Planting:

Locate a planting site that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Alliums thrive in well-drained soil. Amend clay soil with sand or compost for better drainage. Sandy soil might require more frequent watering during hot summers.

Planting Steps:

Soak: Soak the bare root alliums in cool water for 1-2 hours before planting. This helps rehydrate the bulbs and promote root growth.
Dig a hole: Dig a hole 2-3 times deeper than the height of the bulb. Space the bulbs according to their mature size (usually 4-18 inches apart, depending on the variety).
Positioning: Gently place the allium bulb in the hole, with the pointed end facing upwards.
Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, ensuring the base of the bulb is covered with soil but the top shoulder (where the roots meet the stem) remains exposed.
Watering: Water the planting site thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Mulching (Optional): Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Aftercare:

Water regularly, especially during the first growing season, allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Established alliums are fairly drought-tolerant and shouldn't need frequent watering.
Feed lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and prevent seed production.
Divide overcrowded clumps every 3-5 years to maintain vigor and flower production.

With proper care, your bare root alliums will establish themselves and reward you with beautiful blooms in the spring and summer!

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Allium

Allium 'Serendipity' (4) 1-gallons

Allium

Allium 'Millenium' (4) 1-gallons

Allium

Allium 'Serendipity' (4) 1-gallons

Allium

Allium 'Millenium' (4) 1-gallons

Allium‘s Zone, Characteristics and How to Use In The Landscape

Allium Care Guide: Spacing, Water, Sunlight, Soil, and More

Allium’s Flower Colors, Forms, Bloom Time and Pollinators

Allium’s Latin Name Pronunciation, Common Names and Botanical Names

Allium’s Critter, Pest and Disease Resistance

Allium Bare Root Planting