Allium Hair

A bulbous perennial, Allium vineale Hair is a tall, bulbous perennial, that comes up year after year. The leaves are grass-like and hollow (like chives) and mid-green. Tight, ball-shaped umbels of purple flowers, up to 4cm across, with green hair-like fibres growing out of them, are borne in early summer; bees and other pollinators love the flowers. Plant 10-15cm deep and apart, adding grit in heavy clay to improve drainage. Good in city or courtyard gardens and also in cottage gardens; plant at the front of the border. Easy to grow, and no pruning needed. Congested clumps may be divided.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any reasonably fertile, moist but well-drained or well-drained soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Summer
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height:  3’3” (1m) Spread: 20” (50cm) in 2-5 years

Photo by Josve05a  Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.