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 H6. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens, wildflower meadow and city and courtyard gardens. It is native to Europe and NW Africa.
About
Allium moly is a robust perennial bulb that features slender, strap-like leaves in a grey-green hue, typically reaching lengths of up to 12 cm and often emerging in pairs. In summer, it produces clusters of vibrant yellow, star-shaped flowers that face upward, borne on stems that can grow up to 25 cm tall.
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
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
- H6
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
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, City and courtyard gardens
- Native to
- Europe, NW Africa
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Allium moly
- Cultivation
- Grow in full sun and a fertile well-drained soil. It is best to grow in containers where garden soil is heavy clay and prone to saturation over winter. See allium cultivation
- Pruning
- No pruning required, other than to remove old flowered stems and foliage
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, sowing in containers in a cold frame when just ripe or in the spring and by division of clumps in spring. 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
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Allium moly?
Grow in full sun and a fertile well-drained soil. It is best to grow in containers where garden soil is heavy clay and prone to saturation over winter. See allium cultivation.
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.
How do I prune Allium moly?
No pruning required, other than to remove old flowered stems and foliage.
How big does Allium moly grow?
Allium moly reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Allium moly hardy in the UK?
Allium moly has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Allium moly?
Propagate by seed, sowing in containers in a cold frame when just ripe or in the spring and by division of clumps in spring. See bulb propagation.
Is Allium moly good for pollinators?
Yes — Allium moly attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.