Learn to grow blooms that look like they were plucked right out of a Dr. Seuss book.
These perennial plants have a lot to offer as additions to your spring and fall garden.
The hardiness varies with the species and cultivar; most alliums are hardy in Zones 4-9.
Mark Kane.
Allium is toxic to pets.Some species, likeAllium giganteum,are also toxic to humans.
Where to Plant Allium
For the most blooms, plant alliums infull sun.
This ensures sturdy stems, so flowers are less likely to flop.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Some varieties tolerate part shade but perform best in full sun.
Avoid soggy soil or locations that dont drain well.
Alliums do well in gravel gardens, and dwarf varieties are suitable for growing in troughs and small containers.
Credit: Andy Lyons
double-check the pointed top is up and the flat bottom is down.
Space them about 12 inches apart at a depth of two to three times the diameter of the bulb.
Soaking the allium bulbs before planting is not necessary and may cause them to rot.
Credit: Elvin Mcdonald
Soil and Water
Because alliums generally form bulbs, they needwell-drained soil.
Rich, sandy loam is ideal.
If the bulbs sit in water, theyll rot.
Credit: Blaine Moats
In terms of soil pH,neutral to slightly acidic(5.6 to 6.5) is best.
The fact that most alliums are bulbs works to their advantage.
During dry spells, water every three to five days.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Temperature and Humidity
When you choose allium plants, check theirhardiness in your Zone.
Fertilizer
Addbalanced fertilizerwhen the plants first start flowering.
For the amount to use, follow the product label directions.
Credit: Scott Little
Otherwise, alliums typically dont need fertilizer.
Potting and Repotting Allium
Plant allium in pots with large drainage holes and use well-draining potting soil.
Potted plants dry out much faster than plants in garden soil, so adjust the watering schedule accordingly.
Credit: Elsa Bakalar
Allium grown in a pot needs repotting as the plant outgrows its container.
Pests and Problems
There are few pests or problems with alliums.
Because allium is a member of the onion family, its blooms have the typical pungent odor.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Alliums are prone to fungal diseases such as rot and downy mildew, but these issues are easily avoided.
Never water from overhead, and remove any infected bulbs as soon as you notice them.
How to Propagate Allium
Alliums are easy topropagate by division.
Credit: Bryan E. McCay
Dig up the plant in the fall and separate the bulbs along the visible division lines.
Replant a new healthy bulb in the original space and plant the remainder in other areas of your garden.
It is also possible to grow allium from seed, but it’s a much lengthier process.
Credit: Jay Wilde
In regions with mild winters, sow allium seeds in the late summer, fall, or early winter.
Types of Allium
The flowers of alliums vary greatly.
Someallium varietieshave flat-topped or domed blooms that add a nice geometry to garden designs.
Jay Wilde.
Other varieties still have more explosive blooms reminiscent of fireworks throughout the garden.
Zone 5-8
Tumbleweed Onion
Tumbleweed onion(Allium schubertii)is one of the most dramatic alliums.
It shows off volleyball-size clusters of lavender flowers on 2-foot-tall stems.
Tim Murphy.
Zone 4-10
Giant Allium
Allium giganteumis one of the largest allium varieties.
It bears large globe-shaped clusters of purple flowers on 6-foot-tall stems.
It grows 16 inches tall.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
It grows 3 feet tall.
The scent and taste of allium repel animals.
Allium keepscabbage loopersand other vegetable-eating insects away from plants.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
Zones 3-8
Yarrow
Yarrowis a classic garden perennial known for its ruggedness.
Beginner Garden for Full Sun
This easy-care, sun-loving design is a great introduction to perennial gardening.
The collection of plants in thisgarden planwill provide you with colorful blooms from spring to fall.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
Alliums are perennial plants.
If they are planted in a hospitable environment, they should return each year.
Most alliums self-seed, although the ornamental allium species commonly available for sale are not considered invasive.
To prevent them from spreading,deadhead bloomsbefore they go to seed.
“North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
