Overview
Allium carinatum is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Allium, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Allium carinatum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH.
About
Allium carinatum, the keeled garlic or witch's garlic, is a bulbous perennial flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae. It is widespread across central and southern Europe, with some populations in Asiatic Turkey. It is cultivated in many places as an ornamental and also for its potently aromatic bulbs used as a food flavoring. Subspecies Numerous botanical names have been coined within the species at the subspecies level, but only two are recognized: Allium carinatum subsp. carinatum - most of species range Allium carinatum subsp. pulchellum (G.Don) Bonnier & Layens - central Europe + Balkans. It is native to Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Bulgaria, Czechia-Slovakia and other regions. Mature plants reach roughly 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Allium carinatum
About the genus
Allium is a large genus of monocotyledonous flowering plants with 1112 accepted species, making Allium the largest genus in the family Amaryllidaceae and among the largest plant genera in the world. Many of the species are edible, and some have a long history of cultivation and human consumption such as the onion, garlic, scallions, shallots, leeks, and chives.
Wikipedia contributors, "Allium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Allium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Allium
- 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
Plant details
Allium carinatum size, habit and characteristics
- 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
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Allium carinatum?
Allium carinatum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Allium carinatum need?
Allium carinatum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Allium carinatum grow?
Allium carinatum reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
More in the Allium genus
- Allium 'Judith'
- Allium 'Summer Beauty'
- Allium cepa 'Goldito'
- Allium christophii (albopilosum)Star of Persia
- Allium hookeri 'Zorami'Hooker Chives
- Allium phanerantherumconspicuous-anthered garlic
- Allium 'Millenium'
- Allium schmitzii