Known as “ornamental onions,” dozens of species of Allium perk up a spring garden right through late summer. Allium flowers are generally ball-shaped in appearance and can range in size from a marble to a small grapefruit. Purple is the dominant color, however various shades of violet, pink and white are also common.
Allium, commonly referred to as ornamental onions, are bulbous herbs that are characterized by their onion or garlic odor originating from their long, basal foliage. The genus contains hundreds of species and include the ornamental ones plus the garlic and onions we grow for food. Many are native to the northern hemisphere where they can be found growing in dry, mountainous regions. Although they are cultivated within the landscape, in nature ornamental onions can be found growing in forests and are present as a weed in disturbed areas. The genus contains approximately 700 species; most of which bloom between late spring and early summer.
Genus: Allium
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Life Cycle: Bulb Recommended
Propagation Strategy: Division Country Or Region Of Origin: Northern Hemisphere, North America and Eurasia