Overview
Allium siculum is a tufted bulbs in the genus Allium, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Allium siculum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is attractive to pollinators and drought resistant. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens. It is native to S Europe and W Asia.
About
Allium siculum is a sturdy perennial featuring keeled basal foliage and reaching heights of up to 1.2 meters. It produces a terminal umbel of nodding, long-stalked, bell-shaped blooms that showcase a blend of cream, pink, and green hues. In late summer, the plant develops upright seed pods that add visual interest to the garden.
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, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Allium siculum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- S Europe, W Asia
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Allium siculum
- Cultivation
- Grows well in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil. May self-seed freely
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, sown in autumn or spring, in containers in a cold frame or remove offsets in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Allium siculum?
Grows well in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil. May self-seed freely.
Where is the best place to plant Allium siculum?
Allium siculum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Allium siculum need?
Allium siculum 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 moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Allium siculum?
No pruning required.
How big does Allium siculum grow?
Allium siculum reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Allium siculum hardy in the UK?
Allium siculum has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Allium siculum?
Propagate by seed, sown in autumn or spring, in containers in a cold frame or remove offsets in summer.
Is Allium siculum good for pollinators?
Yes — Allium siculum attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.