Product description
Allium Christophii is an ornamental onion with a few narrow, dark-green leaves towards the base, on the top of the main stem forms a spherical umbel densely packed with star-shaped flowers with very narrow petals and a green eye or ovary. Flowerhead or umbel is approximately 25-30cm in diameter of exquisite purples with silvery touches.
Delicate and distinct colourations with a large flowerhead, Allium Christophii is bold standout for gardeners and pollinators alike with multitudes of tiny blooms that attract birds, bees and butterflies. Plant in groups or use these unique colour specimens in garden flower areas. Great for planting at the back of beds or in borders or in pots or containers and excellent as a cut flower.
Genus Allium includes a variety of cultivars which are both useful and beautiful, some of the well-known cultivars includes leeks and onions. Cultivars of the beautiful flowering varieties of Allium are commonly called ornamental onions. Allium plants are perennial geophytes with bulbs. Stalks or scapes, are long, leafless stems which rise from the bulb on which the flowerheads are produced.
Flowerheads of the Allium are often characterised by multitudes of small blooms, some with very petite petals resulting in an almost pom-pom look. Other blooms are larger in size and have larger petal sizes, and typical flowerheads are spherical or rounded in shape.
Allium are hardy plants and can tolerate cold weather up to zone 4. Sun-loving, Allium prefers to bask in the sun’s rays all day long and can tolerate some shade. Must be planted in the autumn prior to freezing so roots are able to initially set before the coming cold.
Hardy growers, Allium is tolerant of most soil types and conditions as long as they are well-drained. Drought-resistant Allium is great for adding splashes of colour to the garden scene. Plant bulbs at depths of 2-4 times the diameter of the bulb, usually in the range of 10-15cm.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
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Planting and flowering times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Plant alliums alongside other leafy plants that can hide the faded allium foliage after flowering.
How to Water
Alliums grown in the ground are generally drought resistant and only need to be watered during dry spells. Those planted in pots or containers need to be watered regularly to ensure the soil doesn’t dry out. Avoid overwatering.
How to Plant
Plant allium bulbs in autumn before hard frosts set in. A sheltered, sunny spot in well-draining soil is ideal. Use a bulb planter or trowel to make holes 10-20cm apart and plant the bulbs around 15cm deep, one in each hole. Ensure the pointed end of the bulb faces upwards before backfilling the holes, firming the soil down gently as you go. Water in well.