All About Allium Flowers
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Family: Liliaceae
Scientific Name: Allium christophii
Allium is a bulbous perennial plant that grows between 15 and 40 cm in height with a spread of 15 to 20 cm. It features grayish-green, strap-shaped leaves with gracefully drooping tips. During summer, it produces attractive star-shaped flowers in shades of purple to violet, arranged in large spherical umbels. In the online flower shop industry, ornamental alliums are highly valued for their beautiful blooms and are frequently used in flower baskets, flower bouquets, and a variety of flower arrangements. In addition, many allium varieties can also be grown indoors as houseplants.
Autumn is the best season for planting allium bulbs. Before planting, fill pots with light, moist soil and place the bulbs approximately 15 cm deep. Leave at least 20 cm of space between each bulb to ensure healthy growth.
Water the plant regularly, ideally every two days, while ensuring the soil has excellent drainage. Creating two or three drainage holes at the bottom of the pot and using a large saucer will help prevent waterlogging.
Avoid placing the pots under direct sunlight for extended periods.
Although many ornamental alliums are perennial, some varieties are grown as annuals. They can be propagated by seeds, bulbs, or division depending on the species.
Growing Requirements:
Alliums thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil and are ideal for gardens and landscaped green spaces. Most ornamental species can tolerate temperatures as low as -5°C.
When planting, it is recommended to place three bulbs together in one hole at a depth of approximately 15 cm, leaving around 20 cm between planting holes.
Propagation:
Propagation is possible by sowing seeds in autumn or by dividing mature plants during spring.
Popular Ornamental Allium Varieties Used by Florists:
1. Blue Globe Onion (Allium caeruleum)
Flowering stems grow 45–60 cm tall and produce sky-blue flowers approximately 5 cm in diameter.
2. Dark Blue Allium (Allium cyaneum)
Flowering stems reach 20–25 cm in height and bear deep blue flowers about 5 cm across.
3. Golden Allium (Allium flavum)
Produces flowering stems 30–60 cm tall with golden-yellow flowers measuring around 5 cm.
4. Giant Allium (Allium giganteum)
One of the tallest ornamental alliums, with flower stalks ranging from 90–150 cm and large light purple flower heads approximately 10 cm in diameter.
5. Turkestan Onion (Allium karataviense)
A compact species with flowering stems 15–20 cm high and attractive silvery-pink blooms about 10 cm wide.
6. Lily Leek or Golden Garlic (Allium moly)
Features flower stems 15–45 cm tall with bright yellow flowers measuring 5–7.5 cm across.
7. Naples Garlic (Allium neapolitanum)
Produces stems 20–30 cm tall with elegant white flowers approximately 7.5 cm in diameter.
8. Rosenbach's Allium (Allium rosenbachianum)
Flowering stems reach 60–90 cm in height and produce striking purple flower heads measuring 10–12.5 cm in diameter.
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