Allium nigrum
ornamental onion or allium bulbs
- 10 × bulbs
- £6.48 £8.49
- 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: fast
- Flowering period: June
- Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
- Bulb size: 10/12
The grey-green leaves of this ornamental onion generally have started to die back when the flowers emerge in early summer. These sit on tall, sturdy stems forming flattish clusters that create a striking silhouette. Each creamy-white to pale lavender flower has a pronounced ovary at its heart, which looks a little like a green pearl, nestled in the centre. Allium nigrum is a very pretty species - and is often featured in show gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show.
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
