When they bloom in the garden for the first time, the ornamental plants from the “Allium” genus automatically attract attention. They are particularly popular for their sculptural shape - long stem and spherical inflorescence - and look good in both cottage gardens and Mediterranean country house style gardens. But the ornamental onion also fits harmoniously into formal landscapes. As a cut flower, it offers numerous arrangement options and can be presented effectively both fresh and dried. Have we aroused your interest yet? If you would like to plant ornamental onions in your own garden, then read on - we will give you some tips on how to care for this all-round talent.
The ornamental onion at a glance
The genus Allieae, which belongs to the daffodil family, includes around 940 leek species. They are divided into two groups - the first is suitable for consumption and consists of useful plants. The second group is made up of the so-called ornamental plants - although they are edible, they are usually almost usedexclusively as decorationin the garden or as cut flowers in the house. Today the Allium genus is widespread throughout the world, with the greatest diversity of species being found in the Orient and Mediterranean.
Depending on the species, the perennial plants can reach a height of up to 200 cm. Above the ground they form a leafless flower stalk; the stalkless leaves are usually flat and long. The flowering period begins in spring, usually from April - the individual flowers form spherical umbels. They are mostly purple, although some varieties have white, blue or pink inflorescences. From the end of July to mid-September, their typical smell attracts insects such as bees and butterflies to the garden. A substance called allicin is responsible for this.
From August onwards, the various ornamental garlic varieties form capsule fruits where the seeds are located. The vegetation phase ends with the formation of seeds; from November onwards the flower stalks slowly dry out and are then cut off by hobby gardeners. Only the bulbs that are in the so-called resting phase during the winter months remain underground. This means they can easily survive frost, snow and storms in the cold season. The next spring the plant slowly begins to grow roots again.
The right location and tips for care
The allium ornamental plants are basically extremely easy to care for. When it comes to soil, they are quite undemanding – they can hardly tolerate waterlogging. The sunny location proves to be optimal for their rapid growth. If the flower bed is in partial shade, some ornamental allium species tend to multiply more quickly and spread to sunny locations. The hobby gardener can avoid such problems by carefully replanting the bulbs in autumn (i.e. from November). If the flowers are cared for specifically for cut flowers, then the soil can be fertilized in spring and the soil carefully loosened.
Otherwise, care is pretty easy - the plants love dry soil and require little water. At the end of the flowering period, the stems are only cut off when they have completely wilted. Propagation occurs through onions - these are planted from November to December.
Which species are eligible?
Allium Sphaerocephalon, or also called ball garlic, is one of the most popular ornamental species. It reaches a height of 80 cm and is therefore ideal as a bed border or as an accent on the garden path. The flowering period begins in June - the shape of the pink umbels resembles a ball. The stems are usually cut back at the end of July. The ornamental plant is widespread throughout Europe.
She prefers sunny onesLocations with dry soilbefore. Sand-loam substrates are particularly suitable. The ornamental garlic is not watered and is frost-resistant - it can easily survive temperatures below -20 degrees and therefore does not need to be overwintered. The bulbs are planted in spring at a distance of 20 cm.
Allium Schubertii,still known as Schubert's leek, is an extremely attractive ornamental plant of the Allium genus. It comes from Syria and is now widespread in the southern part of Türkiye. The plant loves summer-dry, loamy and permeable soil. A sunny, wind-protected location is ideal for the ornamental onion. Although it tolerates temperature differences, in winter it can be protected from frost with a layer of leaves.
Dutch garlicis a perennial plant with a growth height of up to 90 cm. Numerous small star-shaped flowers form impressive large purple flower balls in spring, which bring variety to the garden until the end of summer. As soon as the foliage, stem and flowers turn yellow, they can be cut out in autumn. The plant is winter-hardy and does not need any frost protection. Propagated by onions. Planting time in March and April; loosened, humus-rich, permeable soil is optimal. A minimum distance of 40 cm between plants guarantees their rapid growth.
Planting the Bulgarian ornamental onion – a real eye-catcher in the garden
The Bulgarian ornamental onion is a real eye-catcher - its bell-shaped flowers fascinate with their attractive color gradient - purple, white and pink form an attractive ensemble. It has a slight smell that attracts insects. The plant reaches a maximum height of 100 cm, loves sunny locations, but in contrast to theother ornamental plantsThe Allium genus also thrives in partial shade. The bulbs are planted 10 cm deep into the ground in spring; a minimum distance of 30 cm from other plants is an absolute must. Adding fertilizer every two weeks is recommended.
Combine as a cut flower
The various types of ornamental garlic can also be used as cut flowers - the combination with cartilaginous carrots and phlox fits perfectly with vintage or country house style furnishings. Together with callas and roses, it forms an attractive arrangement that fits harmoniously into modern interiors. But he also sets accents as a soloist.
Stage as a dried flower
Since ornamental garlic dries at the end of summer anyway, it can be displayed as a dried flower in purist interiors.
