About

Allium 'Universe' is a bulbous perennial that reaches a height of 70 cm. It produces large, round flowerheads that are loosely arranged and display a violet-purple hue, measuring up to 18 cm in diameter during the summer months.

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

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Bulbs
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
1-2 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Fragrance
Foliage
Toxicity
Bulbs may irritate skin or aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Care notes

Cultivation
Easy to grow in fertile well-drained soil in sun.
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by offsets
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to onion white rot and downy mildews