Allium

Allium is a huge and very diverse genus spread across the whole of the Northern Hemisphere. There are all sorts of Allium species from the large to the dwarf, from bog plants to desert species, alpine species and marsh species.

The Kew checklist accepts close on 1,000 species and with so many species to choose from, it is difficult to know what we should grow and offer. We list a personal selection of those we consider good or garden worthy. We base this on ease of growth, attractive appearance, good colour or even scent.

We exclude any species that make too much seed and too many seedlings, and those which make bulbils in their flowers heads, or too many offsets. Those which are generally over-vigorous or too free with their offsets can be found in your local garden centre. That is why they can be sold by the hundred.

The genus is too large to give any general cultural advice, other than to say that the species offered grow well here in ordinary, well-drained garden soil, in full sun. Those that have specific needs or foibles are noted individually.

Available for ordering from both our Autumn and Spring lists, though the species range will vary between lists.