Overview
Allium haematochiton is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Allium, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Allium haematochiton grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Allium haematochiton is a bulbous, clump-forming perennial in the Amaryllidaceae family, known for its deciduous foliage and characteristic onion or garlic scent. It produces star-shaped or bell-shaped flowers arranged in umbels atop leafless stems, emerging in spring and summer. This cultivar thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, tolerating a range of soil pH levels. Suitable for various garden settings such as city gardens, gravel areas, and flower borders, it is hardy in the UK (H6) and can be propagated by offsets or seed.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Allium haematochiton size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Allium haematochiton
- Propagation
- Offsets, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Allium leaf miner, Onion fly
- Disease resistance
- Onion white rot, Onion downy mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Allium haematochiton?
Allium haematochiton prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Allium haematochiton need?
Allium haematochiton is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Allium haematochiton hardy in the UK?
Allium haematochiton has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Allium haematochiton?
Offsets, Seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on AlliumsWhen to plant allium bulbs in the UK, how to grow them in borders and pots, and why these ornamental onions earn their place all summer long.
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
More in the Allium genus
- Allium 'Judith'

- Allium 'Summer Beauty'

- Allium albopilosumOnion, Flowering
- Allium bulgaricumOnion

- Allium cepa 'Goldito'
- Allium christophii (albopilosum)Star of Persia

- Allium hookeri 'Zorami'Hooker Chives

- Allium phanerantherumconspicuous-anthered garlic
