Alliums - the Ornamental Onions
it is a rare colour for alliums and this is quite rare indeed. In my garden this one is happiest as a carefully-guarded cluster on a ledge in a rockery or in free-draining pots. Apparently these are native to grasslands in NW China, but I can't see this competing against any of my local grasses.
Allium unifolium. This one has an open flower, and has the appearance of a pink Ornithogalum. They grow wild in Southern Oregon and Northern California, mostly in moist pine woods at low elevations. The bulb itself on this is unusual. The original bulb dies off by the end of flowering time and a new bulb forms on a short stalk beside it.
Allium cernuum - Nodding Onion The charm of these is represented in the umbels of flowers that droop downwards. The flowers are deep-pink on stems to 30 to 50 cm. Any well-drained soil is OK but rich is better. A. cernuum 'Major' is an improved garden variety which is much more heavily blooming than the plain species.
Allium giganteum This is the most popular ornamental onion, being the showiest and most-commonly available. The giant drumsticks are unsurpassed when masses in perennial borders of any description.
Great Onion Links
International Bulb Society Allium Gallery
Check here for beautiful pictures of alliums.
Home and Garden Tips - ALLIUMS
From P. Allen Smith Gardens
Alliums - the Ornamental Onions - BOOKREVIEW
A review of the book on Enabling Garden Bookshelf by Diana Pederson.
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