Information about Arum Plants

INFORMATION ABOUT ALLIUM...

By: Nikki Phipps

The name, Allium, comes from the ancient Romans; its meaning can be interpreted as either "onion" or "leek." Allium is a perennial bulb from the onion genus with virtually hundred or more species. Varieties of allium are easily recognized by their fleshy leaves growing from the strongly scented bulbs, which emit an onion-like odor once bruised or cut. Alliums have a scaled bulb and sizes vary, depending on the species, from 1.2 inches to 12 inches. The most common names associated with this plant are onion, garlic, leek, chive, and shallot. All of these types of allium are edible and commonly used in cooking. However, onions needn't be grown merely for their edible properties.

In the flower garden, it's the ornamental varieties of allium that make their presence known. These lovely garden plants come in an array of colors, forms, and heights which no doubt adds visual interest to nearly any garden. The mid-size to tall varieties are great for use as cut flowers. All allium species can be used within borders. The smaller allium varieties look perfect nestled within rock gardens, and native allium species make good naturalizing plants. A few allium species can also be grown in containers. One of these includes the Star of Persia (A. christophii) which has beautiful silvery-purple flowers and blooms.

Alliums look their finest when growing in borders along with other perennials. Grow the tall varieties with low-growing plants or ground covers. Placing alliums in groups of about 5-6 bulbs will provide the greatest visual impact.

Flower colors vary with each allium species from violet, purple, and lilac shades to white, yellow, and pink. The most popular alliums are those with globe-shaped blooms atop long, sturdy stems. Most alliums flower throughout the year, but their leaves quickly fade once this flowering period has ceased. Using other perennials as cover plants will help to conceal them. The earliest blooming alliums combine well with tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils; while the later-blooming varieties can be planted with gladiolus and dahlias.

All allium species require well-drained soil in sunny locations, but some types will also thrive in full or partial shade. These bulbs are some of the easiest to grow and are seldom bothered by pests or diseases. Most allium bulbs are also drought tolerant, and once established, they require little care. The planting depth for allium bulbs depends mostly on the species and is usually about four times the size of the bulb; however, for most varieties, at least 6 inches deep is sufficient.

Some of the most noteworthy ornamental alliums include the lovely lilac-colored, spring-blooming ornamental garlic (A. aflatunense) as well as one of the largest blooming species, the giant onion (A. giganteum), with globe-shaped flowers that grow up to 5 feet or more. The golden onion (A. moly) is another beautiful species, especially when placed in a rock garden. Its yellow, star-like flowers make an impressive sight in the garden when planted in drifts. Another attractive allium is the Bride's onion (A. neapolitanum). This spring-blooming beauty has star-shaped white flowers and narrow, green leaves. An allium species great for adding to beds and borders is Rosy garlic (A. roseum) with its sweet-scented pink blooms. Drumstick alliums (A. sphaerocephalon) have reddish-purple globes and fit in nicely with companion plants such as hosta. Their blooms, even once faded, still remain attractive throughout fall and winter.