ALLIUM

Allium is the Latin name for garlic or onion, including their ornamental varieties. As a cut flower it has tight or loose round clusters of small, star-shaped flowers on long leafless stems. The length of the flower head and stem varies according to the variety, but the common variety sold by florists is usually a foot in height. All alliums have a slight onion smell, and some if left in water, really can pong!

They are from Central Asia and are grown in a number of colours such as purple, pink, green and white. They are a summer and autumn flower from the Liliaceae family.

Allium giganteum 'Purple Sensation' is the most popular flower variety with a big flower head of tiny star-shaped flowers. Other varieties are Allium sphaerocephalon which has a smaller egg-shaped head. Allium aflatunense and Allium neopolitanum (white flowers) have a much looser cluster of flowers. An unusual and relatively new variety Allium 'Hair' has loose green hair (or stems) which can grow to 14cm, from its tiny purple/red sphere in the centre. Stunning varieties are Allium schubertii and A. christophii The latter looks like a firework, with long stalks bearing delicate star shaped pink flowers. Care Tips: A long cut life of 12-20 days. Alliums are suitable for drying.

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