The Versatile Allium: The Most Popular Uses for This Garden Favorite
Alliums are one of the most versatile plants you can grow in your garden. Their beautiful unique blooms and versatile uses make them a must-have for any gardener. In this article we’ll explore the most popular ways to use alliums so you can take full advantage of these amazing plants.
One of the top uses for alliums is as ornamental plants in flower beds and borders. Their distinctive spherical flower heads on tall, slender stems create eye-catching focal points. The blooms come in a wide range of colors like purple, pink, white, yellow and blue. Plant taller varieties like Allium giganteum towards the back and shorter types like Allium moly near the front for a layered look. Group several bulbs together for a bold statement.
Alliums make excellent cut flowers. Varieties like Allium aflatunense and Allium hollandicum work well in bouquets. The blooms last up to two weeks in the vase. For best results, cut stems when around half the florets on the flower head have opened.
Another great use for alliums is as dried flowers Let the flowers dry on the stems after blooming finishes, Then hang upside down or store in a dry place Use the dried blooms in floral arrangements or display them in a vase, Popular dried varieties include Allium christophii and Allium sphaerocephalon,
Don’t forget about edible alliums like garlic, onions, leeks and chives. They add tons of flavor to recipes. Garlic and onions can be used in everything from pasta sauce to stir fries. Sprinkle fresh chive flowers or chopped chives on top of baked potatoes, omelets and soups. Leek’s mild onion flavor works great in soups and stews.
Alliums have ornamental appeal even when not in bloom. Varieties like Allium karataviense and Allium senescens have attractive foliage that remains evergreen through winter in some climates. The blue-green twisted basal leaves of Allium senescens are especially eye-catching. Plant them among lower growing plants like sedums.
Not only are alliums beautiful, they also help repel pests. The strong scent given off by alliums drives away insects like aphids, Japanese beetles and snails. Use them as natural pest control around plants prone to these pests. Plant garlic or chives around your rose bushes to keep aphids away.
With their pest repelling abilities, alliums are great companion plants for roses, carrots, beets and fruit trees. Onions planted near carrots and beets help deter some common pests like carrot flies and beet leaf miners. The pungent scent of alliums can mask the scent of desirable fruit trees, preventing pests like deer from finding them.
Alliums are long blooming, starting in late spring and lasting through midsummer. Certain varieties like Allium ‘Millenium’ even bloom into fall. Plant alliums alongside early spring bloomers like tulips and late summer perennials like echinacea to bridge the gap between seasons and provide months of color.
Most allium bulbs are deer and rodent resistant, making them ideal for gardens prone to these pests. The strong odor and taste of alliums deters deer, rabbits, voles and chipmunks. You can safely plant them without worrying about critters eating the bulbs or foliage.
When it comes to versatility, it’s hard to beat alliums. Use them as decorative flowers, edibles, pest deterrents, dried flowers, season extenders and more. With so many options, it’s easy to find a place for alliums in your landscape. Branch out beyond just planting them in flower beds. Tuck them into vegetable gardens, herb beds, containers and more. Discover firsthand just how multifunctional these amazing plants can be.
Where to Plant Alliums
Perennial Gardens: Most alliums bloom in late spring, along with the last tulips and just before irises and peonies. The flowers last for weeks and appear to hover over the garden like balloons. After flowering, both flowers and foliage fade away, allowing summer perennials to take center stage. Some of the best alliums for perennial gardens include Gladiator, Globemaster, Purple Sensation and Allium christophii.
Rock Gardens: Alliums are well-suited to rock gardens, where they thrive in the well-drained pockets between rocks. Choose species that are smaller in size, such as Allium flavum, Allium karataviense and Allium sikkimense.
Cutting Gardens: Alliums are excellent cut flowers. Their stiff stems make them easy to arrange, and the flowers are very long lasting. Planting alliums in a cutting garden will ensure you always have a plentiful supply of flowers for bouquets. Choosing several different types will give you flowers throughout the season. Good options include Purple Sensation, Allium atropurpureum, Mount Everest, Allium sphaerocephalon and Allium tuberosum.
Containers: Many alliums grow well in containers, either planted alone or mixed with in other plants. When they come into bloom, you can move the planter to a prominent spot where the flowers will be easy to admire.
Your Guide to Planning, Planting, and Growing Alliums
Alliums are members of the onion family. Cut a stem or crush a leaf and the connection is obvious! In the garden, these late spring and early summer flowers have a look that’s both regal and playful.
An allium flower head is a cluster of individual florets. The overall shape of this flower cluster can be round, oval or cascading, and the flower color may be white, yellow, pink, purple or blue. Heights also vary, with some alliums standing just 5 inches tall, and others reaching 4 feet. Each type of allium adds its own distinctive style and personality to the garden.
How to Plant Allium Bulbs + Best Allium Varieties for Your Garden!! // Northlawn Flower Farm
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