Allium – Ornamental Onion – Bold Architectural Blooms

The Allium is a tall pompom flowing plant of the Garlic-Onion family. Predominantly purple or white with a globe head of fine star-shaped flowers. They are easy to grow but like the sun and good drainage as the bulbs can rot in heavy wet soil. They do stand out when isolated in a border but also look very good when planted in large swathes. The name Allium is Latin for Garlic and is thought to derive from the Greek word meaning avoid.

Allium Ornamental Onion 1

Rank

Genus

Names

Scientific name:

Allium

Common Names:

Ornamental Onion

Genus:

Allium

Family:

Amaryllidaceae

Related Plants:

Garlic, Amaryllis, Narcissus

Growing Conditions

Position:

full sun

Soil Type:

sandy, loamy, chalky

Soil pH:

acid, neutral, alkaline

Moisture:

moist, well drained

Similar Posts

  • Meconopsis – Himalayan Poppy

    Meconopsis is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Papaveraceae or Poppy family. These plants are often known for their beautiful blue petals, but they also come in a variety of purple, white and yellow. Commonly referred to as Himalayan Poppy as they are found natively in the Himalayan Mountains. Given their natural habitat, these plants are fairly hardy, but remain difficult to because being monocarpic they only flower and set seed only once.

    Meconopsis Taxonomy

    The name comes from the Greek for ‘poppy like’, and so other Poppy type flowers were Meconopsis genus. Most Poppies are listed in their own Papaver genus, Papaver being Latin for Poppy, but the Meconopsis genus is kept separate for these Himalayan flowers. All poppies belong to the Order Ranunculales, or Buttercups.

    Meconopsis Strathspey Himalayan Poppy single

    Rank

    Genus

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Meconopsis

    Common Names:

    Himalayan Poppy

    Genus:

    Meconopsis

    Family:

    Papavercaceae

    Related Plants:

    Poppy, Buttercup

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    partial shade, sheltered

    Soil Type:

    clay, loamy

    Soil pH:

    acid, neutral

    Moisture:

    moist, well drained

  • Acacia dealbata – Silver or Blue Wattle – Mimosa

    Acacia dealbata is a evergreen shrub or tree that will flower early in the growing season in warm and temperate climates. 

    • Plant Family – Part of the Fabaceae family or Legume family that includes peas and beans. 
    • Native to – These flowering plants are native to southeastern Australia.
    • Common Names – include Silver wattle, blue wattle or mimosa.
    • Flowers – The flowers are bright acid-yellow that grow in clusters of small round balls.
    • Foliage – The foliage is fern-like and green with a blue or silvery grey hue.
    • Height and Spread – these tree/shrubs can grow quickly to a height of 30 metres, or 100ft tall with an equally wide spread.
    • Position – These plants thrive in full sun with a well drained soil, more on the acidic side, but neutral is fine. This makes them ideal in a sunny but sheltered location with a southern aspect and a reasonably mild climate.

    Overall, a striking plant that will look attractive all year round with a splash of colour in the early seasons.

    Acacia dealbata - flowering

    Rank

    Species

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Acacia dealbata

    Common Names:

    Silver Wattle, Blue Wattle, Mimosa

    Genus:

    Acacia

    Family:

    Fabaceae

    Related Plants:

    Legumes, peas and beans

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    full sun

    Soil Type:

    sandy, loamy

    Soil pH:

    acid, neutral

    Moisture:

    well drained

  • Pieris Japonica – Andromeda

    Pieris japonica  is a hardy evergreen flowering shrub that has distinctive new red leaves early in the season. These new red leaves turn yellow then green as they mature. Certain cultivars can have very dark red leaves.

    • Plant Family – Part of the Ericaceae family or heath family, same as rhododendron, heathers, cranberry and blueberry, and my favourite bilberries. 
    • Native to – These flowering plants are native to China, Taiwan and Japan, especially in the mountainous regions.
    • Common Names – It is often called the Andromeda. 
    • Flowers – The flowers are small and bell shaped, similar to lily-of-the-valley. Colours ranging from reddish pink to white.
    • Foliage – The leaves usually start red when they first emerge, fading to yellow, light green and through to dark green as they mature. Being evergreen the leaves are glossy and leathery in form.
    • Height and Spread – Typically a slow growing shrub that can stay within 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, although they can develop into a more straggly, woody tree up to about 12 feet.
    • Position – These plants thrive in a shaded or partially shaded location with a well drained soil, acidic side. This makes them ideal in a woodland garden, or any moist, shaded and cool position. Too much sun or frost can scorch the leaves and turn them brown. They need regular water in dry conditions but don’t like soggy wet conditions.

    Overall, in the right position they can be a trouble free, easy to maintain plant that gives a splendid splash of colour in the spring and maintain its foliage all year round. Just remember it is an acid loving plant and if you have neutral or alkaline soil it will require specific acidic feed to keep it going.

    Pieris Japonica 4

    Rank

    Species

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Pieris japonica

    Common Names:

    Andromeda

    Genus:

    Pieris

    Family:

    Ericaceae

    Related Plants:

    Rhododendron, Heathers, Cranberry and Blueberry

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    partial shade

    Soil Type:

    sandy, loamy

    Soil pH:

    acid

    Moisture:

    moist, well drained

  • Helleborus Orientalis – Lenten Rose

    Helleborus orientalis is a hardy perennial plant that will flower early in the growing season and provide some colour and interest In the garden border even when the spring temperatures are chilly. 

    • Plant Family – Part of the Ranunculaceae family or Buttercups. 
    • Native to – These flowering plants are native to Greece, Turkey and the Caucasus, especially in the mountainous regions.
    • Common Names – It is often called the Lenten rose due to it flowering throughout the calendar period known in ‘christian’ lands as Lent. 
    • Flowers – The flowers are, as most Buttercups, a cup shape and are many shades of maroon, purple, pink, white and even a green tinge. They tend to droop and face the ground once fully bloomed.
    • Foliage – The dark green, glossy leaves grow in a rosette form around the main stem with the flower emanating from the centre. These leaves are palmate, dissected into long this fingers with sawtooth edges. The stems are thick and hardy. Once they have flowered the leaves will last throughout the winter, gradually turning brown and drying out. These can be pruned back to keep the plant looking fresh or just left to wither and decay, depending on the look you want produce.
    • Height and Spread – Typically grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches and can spread about 18 inches. These plants tends to spread over time into a cluster.
    • Position – These plants thrive in a shaded or partially shaded location with a well drained soil, more on the acidic side, but tolerant of alkaline. This makes them ideal in a woodland garden, or any moist, shaded and cool position. Too much sun or frost can scorch the leaves and turn them brown.

    Overall, Hellebores are an ideal flowering plant that can be left to grow year on year, in the right conditions, and provide an interesting feature before many other garden flowers have emerged from winter.

    helleborus orientalis

    Rank

    Species

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Helleborus Orientalis

    Common Names:

    Hellebore, Lenten rose

    Genus:

    Helleborus

    Family:

    Ranunculaceae

    Related Plants:

    Anemone, Aquilegia, Clematis, Delphinium, Helleborus, Ranunculus (Buttercup)

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    full shade, partial shade

    Soil Type:

    chalky, loamy, clay

    Soil pH:

    weak-acidic, neutral, weak-alkaline

    Moisture:

    moist, well drained

  • Camassia quamash

    Camassia quamash is a herbaceous perennial that resembles Bluebells and Hyacinth. That’s because it belongs to the same family Asparagaceae. Native of North America they are hardy in non-extreme climates. They readily spread if not contained to fill up any welcoming environment.

    Camassia quamash

    Rank

    Species

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Camassia quamash

    Common Names:

    camash

    Genus:

    Camassia

    Family:

    Asparagaceae

    Related Plants:

    Bluebells, Hyacinth

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    full sun, partial shade

    Soil Type:

    chalky, sandy, loamy

    Soil pH:

    acid, neutral, alkaline

    Moisture:

    moist, well drained

  • Aquilegia – Columbine – Granny’s Bonnet

    Aquilegia, commonly referred to as Columbine or Granny’s Bonnet, is a quintessential element of any cottage garden, woodland garden, or border display. Its medium height and striking appearance allow it to harmonise beautifully with neighbouring plants. With a stunning variety of colours and unique forms, it captures the eye and offers endless pleasure to those who take the time to observe its intricate beauty. This plant not only enhances garden aesthetics but also plays a vital role in supporting local ecosystems by attracting a diverse range of pollinators.

    Granny’s Bonnet: A Colorful Addition to Your Garden

    Known for its unique flower heads, this plant gets its common names, Columbine and Granny’s Bonnet, from the distinctive shape reminiscent of a dove’s head or a traditional bonnet. The name Columbine comes from the Latin word columba, meaning ‘dove,’ while Aquilegia is derived from the Latin word aquila, meaning ‘eagle,’ reflecting the spurred petals that resemble talons. These striking flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, providing an interesting diversion from the big bold blooms.

    This fascinating genus within the family Ranunculaceae includes Buttercups.  It is easy to see the similarities, but the intricate forms of this flower provide a much more interesting specimen. There are about 130 different species that explore different colours and nuances of petal shape, each with its own unique characteristics and charm. From the delicate blue and white varieties to vibrant reds and yellows, the options are nearly endless.

    Modern hybrids are particularly captivating, often featuring two layers of petals in contrasting colours, creating a visually stunning effect. The spurred petals that extend behind the flower head add to the unique aesthetic of the plant, making it a favourite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike. The colour palette is extensive, including shades of purple, red, pink, white, yellow, and blue. This diversity allows for creative combinations in garden designs where they will complement similar plants.

    Granny's Bonnet

    Rank

    Genus

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Aquilegia

    Common Names:

    Columbine, Granny’s Bonnet

    Genus:

    Aquilegia

    Family:

    Ranunculaceae

    Related Plants:

    Buttercup, Clematis

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    full sun, partial shade

    Soil Type:

    sandy, loamy

    Soil pH:

    acid, neutral, alkaline

    Moisture:

    moist, well drained

    Native to various regions, especially the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere, Granny’s Bonnet thrives in diverse climates and conditions. Its ability to self-seed makes it an excellent choice for wild gardens, as it promotes natural growth and attracts pollinators such as bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. In favourable climates, the presence of this plant can significantly enhance the biodiversity of a garden, benefiting both the plants and the wildlife that depend on them.

    The height of these plants can vary, ranging from 1 to 3 feet depending on the specific variety and growing conditions. Their slim profile allows them to occupy minimal ground space, making them ideal for borders or mixed plantings. While they prefer a little shade from intense sunlight, they can tolerate full sun in cooler regions. A temperate climate with adequate moisture is essential for optimal growth, as they thrive in well-drained soil that is neither too wet nor too dry.

    Another important aspect to consider is the companion planting of this species. It pairs well with a variety of other flowers and greenery, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the garden. For example, planting alongside Foxgloves and Delphiniums can create a beautiful layered effect, with each plant contributing its unique shapes and colours. Moreover, these companion plants often have similar care requirements, making garden maintenance more manageable.

    In conclusion, this remarkable plant offers not only beauty but also ecological benefits. By understanding its unique characteristics and care requirements, gardeners can create stunning displays that contribute to the health of their local environments. Whether you are a novice gardener or an experienced horticulturist, incorporating this species into your garden can lead to a more vibrant, diverse, and sustainable landscape.