Allium karataviense
Turkestan onion bulbs
- 5 × bulbs
- £6.99
- available to order from summer
Delivery options
- Bulbs (only) £4.95
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Hardiness: fully hardy
An unusual, low-growing ornamental onion, Allium karataviense produces globes of star-shaped, pinky-white summer flowers cradled between two broad, grey-green, fleshy leaves. Despite its short stems, the flowerheads can reach the size of an orange. Its eyecatching, long-lasting flowers can be used at the edge of a sunny border or gravel garden. Its also excellent used in dried flower arrangements.
Allium bulbs are easy to grow in a sunny spot with freely drained soil, or a good quality potting compost. Ideally they should be planted in September or October, but could also be planted in early November in milder regions. Dig holes roughly three times as deep as the diameter of the bulb and place them at the base, pointy side up before gently infilling and watering to settle them in. In early spring, as growth begins, apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser, and allow the plants to die back naturally and completely before tidying away.
- Pets: TOXIC if eaten; Humans: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten
