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Allium caeruleum (Allium)


History

This plant originated on the steppes of Russia and China.


Planting

In October plant bulbs in well drained soil either in a sunny border or a container that is to be placed in a sunny position.  The bulbs should be planted with the growing tip pointing upwards at a depth of 3cm (1.5") and 5cm (1-2") apart. If using a container make sure grit is added to a good multi-purpose compost and ensure that there is at least 2.5cm of compost beneath the bulb to give enough room for  the roots to spread.


Propagation

By dividing bulbs during September to November, when they multiply.

Seeds can be collected from the seedheads after flowering but subsequent plants grown from the seed tend to be paler. 


Cultivation

Plant in fertile, well drained soil in full sun, watering well throughout the growing season. They can tolerate a dry climate and are drought resistant.


Aftercare

Feeding should not be necessary in a reasonably fertile soil but it is important to leave the leaves on the plant to die back naturally which will feed energy back into the bulb for the next years growth.  If planted in a container it is better to replace the compost each year to ensure a good show of flowers.  Keep the bulbs moist during the growing and flowering period but refain once the leaves have started to die back.


Pests

Trouble free


Diseases

Trouble free


Other information

Alliums flower after most other spring bulbs but before the perennials.  The flowerheads are good for drying and preserving.


Height/Spread

Grows from quite small bulbs, three cornered leaves form in spring which whither by the time the flowers appear.  The mid blue flowers form a small ball, about 3cm (1") wide on stems about 45cm (18") high.



Annual care


June

Water as necessary to keep the plants moist.


July

Water as necessary to keep the plants moist.


August

Remove seedheads if self seeding or seed collection is not required and cut back old leaves once they have yellowed and died back sufficiently for the energy to return to the bulb for next years growth. 


October

New bulbs can be planted in this month and bulbs planted in containers should be repotted into new compost.

Plant name
Allium
Latin name
Allium caeruleum
Common name
Blue Globe Onion, Blue Ornamental Onion
Genus
Allium
Flower colour
Azure Blue
Foliage colour
Green
Plant type
Bulb
Soil type
any
Soil PH
any
Moisture
Moist Well Drained
Aspect
Full Sun
Hardiness
H (Fully Hardy) to -15°C
Leaf type
Herbaceous
Life cycle
Perennial
Aspect
Normal
Min height
40 cm
Max height
45 cm
Min spread
8 cm
Max spread
10 cm