Growing Together
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Allium is the Latin name for the group of plants better known as onions. There are actually over 700 different species of Allium, many of which are fabulously ornamental, but all can be identified by the characteristic onion smell of their bulbs and leaves.
They often make great cut flowers, and many varieties can also be dried for lasting displays. The dried seed heads of many Alliums will also persist in the garden, proving continuous decorative interest into autumn and winter.
They are generally low maintenance and easy to grow from seed although for some of the larger bulbing varieties they might take a long time to mature and flower. Happily, many of the most attractive ornamental types can be bought as bulbs, which only need to be planted and they’re ready to provide spectacular display for years to come.
Even the edible types like chives, leeks, onions and garlic will produce beautiful flowering displays if allowed to grow on and flower.
Bulbous perennial and biennial herbs forming clusters or single bulbs, with slender grassy or tubular leaves. Usually flowering from spring to summer, most prefer a sunny position although some are equally at home in light, dappled shade.
Plant bulbs around one and a half times their depth, water them in well.
Plant bulbs in a sunny position in autumn of early spring. Consider their height, planting tall varieties nearer the back of the border and shorter ones nearer the front. It is a good idea to plant them behind or among other border perennials which can then hide the alliums leaves as they begin to wither after flowering.
They require little specialist care but apart from regular watering, will benefit from an occasional feed, a sprinkling of Onion and Flower Bulb Fertiliser granules will help bulb development and stem strength as well as improving their natural resistance to disease and drought.
