Allium unifolium
allium or American onion bulbs
- 25 × bulbs
- £9.99
- available to order from summer
- 75 × bulbs
- £27.00
- 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
- Flowering period: May to July
- Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
- Bulb size: 5/-
The flowers of Allium unifolium have a papery texture, which means they tend to last a little longer than many of the other varieties. In spring the first sign of growth is the appearance of the strappy foliage. This has usually died off by the time the flowers appear in late spring. The pinky-purple, bell shaped flowers emerge in clusters of up to 20 at a time on top of single stems. A great plant for an alpine bed or to add colour to the front of a mixed border.
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
