Allium moly (yellow garlic) — Clump forming

Overview

Allium moly is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Allium, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Allium moly grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds and cut flowers.

About

Allium moly, also known as yellow garlic, golden garlic and lily leek, Is a species of flowering plant in the genus Allium, which also includes the flowering and culinary onions and garlic. It is edible and used as a medicinal and ornamental plant. Allium moly is a bulb type flower, with the size of the bulb affecting the flowering period and the time of the flowering. In the wild it grows across Algeria, France, Italy, Morocco, Spain and other regions. It grows to around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Allium moly

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: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Allium moly size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Bulbs
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 1-2 years
Suggested uses: Flower borders and beds, Cut flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Allium moly

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 moly?

Allium moly prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Allium moly need?

Allium moly is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.