Allium oschaninii — Clump forming

Overview

Allium oschaninii is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Allium, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Allium oschaninii 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 oschaninii, the French gray shallot, griselle or true shallot, is a perennial plant of the onion genus Allium. It forms underground bulbs much like the (French red) shallots, covered by a layer of pale brown-grey skin (hence the common name). It is native to Northeastern Iran and Central Asia. It is widely planted in parts of southern France for culinary use. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). It works well for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens, cut flowers and flower borders and beds. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant bulbs in autumn in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Most are fully hardy and undemanding. Allow foliage to die back naturally.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Allium oschaninii

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 oschaninii 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 oschaninii

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 oschaninii?

Allium oschaninii prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Allium oschaninii need?

Allium oschaninii 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.