Growing Allium

Botanical Name:

Allium

Life Cycle:

perennial bulb

Planting Time:

fall

Height:

varies depending on variety

Exposure:

full sun

Soil:

rich, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

zones 4-9

Bloom Time:

spring

Flower:

variety of colors including true blue, purple, violet and yellow

Foliage:

green

Propagation:

bulbs

Suggested Use:

beds, borders, cut flower and butterfly and hummingbird gardens.

Growing Hints:

Plant bulbs in fall for spring flowering. Bulbs should be planted 4 inches deep and will benefit from an application of bulb fertilizer worked into the soil before planting or applied as new growth starts to appear. Cluster bulbs in groups of three to five for the best color and plant tall varieties in locations protected by the wind. Companion planting is advisable to cover the wilting foliage as plants begin to bloom.

Interesting Facts:

Allium tends to be resistant to deer, chipmunks, mice and other rodents, and great for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.

By Ellen Brown