Introduction to the Allium
Alliums, or 'decorative/flowering onions' come in a variety of colors and sizes. There are over 1200 species of alliums, which also include onions, garlic, leek, chives and shallots. The decorative alliums are easy to grow and fit in most gardens, the small ones adorning troughs while the large ones add color to perennial borders. Even after the flowers fade, their showy flower heads add to the beauty of dry flower arrangements.

Genus & History of the Allium
Allium is part of the family Alliaceae to which the common onion, garlic, leeks and chives belong. In fact, Allium is the Latin term for Garlic.

Their characteristic oniony smell puts off some gardeners but there are many which are mildly or even pleasantly fragrant. The Giant Purple Onion had a place in gardens in Elizabethan times. The Allium has even found a place in Classic literature - Homer has attributed magical powers to Allium Moly which protected Ulyses from the charms of Circe.

Description & Popular Types of Alliums
The important vegetable alliums are A. cepa (Shallot), A. satvum (garlic) A. ampeloprasum var. porrum (leek), A.schoenoprasum (chive). There are other vegetable alliums also peculiar to certain regions

Ornamental alliums bloom in yellow, white, beige, purple, pink and blue. Depending on the species, they bloom at any time between spring and fall. Ornamental Alliums can grow to heights varying between 5 cms to 150 cms. The flowers of the ornamental alliums form showy flower clusters (Umbels) on a leafless stalk. Some are however, loose, and dangling or have upright larger flowers. They form good borders and are also useful to add color to the garden between spring and summer flowers.

Some common species are, A. aflatunense, and A. caesium, with large and brilliant umbels A Cristophi and A giganteum used commonly as border plants, hybrid varieties such as Allium Hollandicum (Purple Sensation) have attained great popularity. Star of Persia or A cristophii has fabulous long lasting amethyst blooms resembling a lavender starburst. Globe master & Gladiator are other varieties marked for their magnificent flowers. Mt Everest & Ivory Queen are white alliums that can contrast beautifully with the blue and purple of the other alliums.
Smaller varieties such as A. unifolium, A. moly, (yellow) or A. schubertii, A. moly (yellow flowers), A. roseum (pale rose), A. neapolitanum (white) oreophilom (deep rose) are small variety of Alliums suitable for borders and rock gardens.

Growing tips
The Alliums are native to Mediterranean climates and generally occur in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere except a few which are native to Chile or tropical Africa
Propagation. The Alliums can be propogated through bulbs or seeds. The bulbs divide or form offsets which can be separated and planted individually to form new plants.
Planting

The alliums require a well drained, & fertile soil and ample sunlight. The bulbs are best planted in the fall, in northern zones and in spring or fall in warmer areas. It is advisable to protect the bulbs with winter mulch in areas north to USDA Zone 5. The bulbs should be planted 6-8 inches deep about 6 inches apart. The planting depts vary according to the kind of bulb used
Most alliums have, narrow and stringy foliage like the onion . A. 'Ivory Queen', however has attractive wider blue green foliage. As the foliage of the Allium usually withers by the time it is in bloom, it is better to plant these at the back of borders or interspersed with leafy perennials. Sweet alyssum, rock cress, baby's breath, daylily, iris, red hot poker, , and Geranium pretense are some of the other varieties that go well with alliums. Alliums can be grown even in pots. However, they need deep pots and the larger varieties may need to be staked.

Caring for the Allium
It is quite easy to grow Alliums. They can be grown in USDA Zones 3-9 and AHS Heat Zones 9-5. They are hardy and most animals and rodents avoid them due to their flavour
After flowering, the leaves must be allowed to die naturally. Between flowering and the dropping of leaves, the bulbs store the nourishment required for growth in the next season
Alliums that grow in pots need to be replanted in fresh compost each year
They generally bloom in spring, around May-June

Medicinal properties
The chemical composition of Alliums gives them their characteristic pungency. Many medicinal properties are attributed to the vegetable alliums because of these chemicals. Herbalists have prescribed garlic as a treatment for anything ranging from colds and stomach disorders to rheumatism & plague. Alliums find a place in Homeopathic medicine and modern research evidence suggests its ability to lower cholesterol and hypertension

These pages might also interest you:

Allium Directory, Amaryllis Directory, Begonia Directory, Crocus Directory, Daffodils Directory, Dahlia Directory, Hyacinth Directory, Iris Directory, Lily Directory, Tulip Directory