About

Allium carinatum is a bulbous perennial that grows to approximately 60 cm tall. It features narrow, mid-green leaves that can reach lengths of up to 8 cm. In midsummer, it produces loose clusters of bell-shaped purple flowers, each measuring around 5 cm in diameter, and these may also include small bulbils. This species thrives in informal garden settings and can spread rapidly.

About the genus

Allium consists of bulbous herbaceous perennials characterized by a pronounced onion or garlic aroma. They feature linear, strap-like, or cylindrical leaves that arise from the base. The flowers, which can be star-shaped or bell-shaped, are arranged in an umbel atop a stem that lacks leaves.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Plant type

Bulbs

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

0.5-1 metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens

Native to

Europe to Turkey

Fragrance

Foliage

Toxicity

TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

Cultivation

Grow in full sun and fertile well-drained soil. It is best to grow in containers where garden soil is heavy clay and prone to saturation over winter. Spreads rapidly so best in informal planting. See allium cultivation

Pruning

No pruning required, other than to remove old flowered stems and foliage

Propagation

Propagate by offsets which can be carefully detached by lifting the bulb after flowering has finished. See bulb propagation

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to allium leaf miner and onion fly

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to onion white rot, and onion downy mildew