Plant of the week – Allium
Allium (Ornamental Onion) is our featured perennial of the week chosen for its numerous attributes. Alliums are generally very easy to grow and reliable if they are planted in a well-drained sunny site. They are drought tolerant as well as pest and animal resistant. Most of the allium varieties we grow are from central Europe to northern Asia and typically bloom mid to late summer (July-August). Alliums have round, globe-like flower heads composed of dozens of star-shaped flowers and are generally lavender, purple, rose or occasionally white, based on the variety. Alliums add vibrant summer color to the garden and their flowers are a great source of nectar for honeybees, bumblebees, native bees, and butterflies.
Rohsler’s grows many different perennial Alliums including the popular variety ‘Millenium’ which has glossy green leaves and large rosy-purple flowers. ‘Medusa’ named after the Greek legend for its snaky, twisty grey-green leaves, nodding cobra-like buds and amethyst colored flowers. Both reach a bloom height of approximately 20”. ‘Blue Eddy/ is a variety similar to ‘Medusa’ in flower color and foliage but in a much smaller form growing to about 10”. We also offer Allium thunbergii varieties which bloom in the fall and Allium cernuum which is native to North America. Alliums look great in mass plantings, so don’t just buy one. We grow 9 different varieties in varying heights and bloom colors so stop in today to see for yourself why Alliums make a great addition to your garden. Our staff will be glad to assist you in your selection. Rohsler’s Grown Alliums are grown locally and naturally at our nursery.
*If you can’t get enough of ornamental onions come back to pick up Giant Allium bulbs that you can plant in the fall to bloom in late spring. Some of our favorite purple varieties are Globemaster and Gladiator whose flowers measure 6″ to 8″ in diameter or consider the sparkling white variety Mont Blanc for a bold statement in your garden. Look for them in the store starting in early September.