The Onion’s Unexpected Cousin
If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be gushing over ornamental onions, I probably would have laughed in your face. I mean, onions? Those pungent, tear-inducing vegetables we relegate to the savory side of the kitchen? As it turns out, their distant cousins – the alliums – are actually some of the most visually stunning flowers you can grow in your garden.
I first stumbled upon the magic of alliums while browsing through the Blithewold blog. The author’s descriptions of these “star-burst on a stick” flowers had me hooked. I had to know more. So, I dove headfirst into researching these unexpected garden gems.
Alliums: Anything But Ordinary
Alliums are a genus of flowering plants that include onions, garlic, chives, and dozens of other species. While they may share a familial resemblance to their edible cousins, ornamental alliums are anything but ordinary. These versatile plants come in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes, and colors – from the massive, violet globes of ‘Globemaster’ to the delicate, starry blooms of ‘Ambassador’.
One of the things that first captured my imagination was the sheer scale of some allium varieties. Take the Allium schubertii, for example. This impressive specimen can grow up to 18 inches wide, creating a true “firecracker on a stick” effect in the garden. According to the Blithewold blog, this allium even has the power to “alter the atmosphere” around it, causing a subtle color shift in the surrounding plants.
Alliums for Every Season
But alliums aren’t just about making a bold statement. These resilient plants offer season-long interest in the garden. As The Garden Diaries points out, alliums come into bloom at different times, providing a continuous display from spring through fall.
The early bloomers, like the soft lavender ‘Star of Persia’ (Allium albopilosum), start popping up in late spring, while later varieties like ‘Globemaster’ and ‘Purple Sensation’ keep the show going well into summer. And even after the flowers have faded, the architectural seed heads provide an encore performance that can last for months.
Alliums: A Gardener’s Best Friend
Beyond their visual appeal, alliums also offer practical benefits for the savvy gardener. As The Spruce notes, these plants are naturally deer and rodent resistant, making them a valuable addition to any landscape.
But the real magic happens when you use alliums as companion plants. The distinctive onion-y scent of these flowers is said to repel aphids and other garden pests, helping to protect your other plants. It’s no wonder the Blithewold team chose to plant chives alongside their alliums in the Rose Garden – a clever way to keep those pesky aphids at bay.
Alliums in Action
So, how can you incorporate these versatile beauties into your own garden? The options are endless! You could try planting a row of towering ‘Globemaster’ alliums to add drama and height, or tuck some ‘Ambassador’ alliums into your perennial borders for a pop of color.
If you’re looking to create a truly show-stopping display, consider taking a page from the Blithewold team’s playbook and pairing different allium varieties together. The contrast between the delicate white blooms of ‘Multibulbosum’ and the deep wine hue of ‘Atropurpureum’ is nothing short of stunning.
And don’t forget about using those architectural seed heads in your holiday decor – the Blithewold team saves theirs for Christmas crafts, proving that alliums truly are the gift that keeps on giving.
Embracing the Unexpected
When it comes to gardening, I’ve always been drawn to the unexpected. And alliums, with their quirky good looks and surprising benefits, fit the bill perfectly. These ornamental onions have quickly become a staple in my own garden, and I can’t wait to see what other creative ways I can use them to add a touch of whimsy and wonder.
If you’re looking to breathe new life into your landscape, I highly recommend giving alliums a try. Who knows, you might just find yourself falling for these unexpected garden stars, too. And if you’re in the Temecula, California area, be sure to check out the work of A1 Landscape Construction – they know a thing or two about creating beautiful, allium-filled gardens.
