Allium plummerae - Ornamental Onion

The Allium plummerae is a species of ornamental garlic native to Arizona and New Mexico. It produces upright tufts of greyish foliage, at the top of which flat and showy clusters of upright and widely open stars bloom. The flowers are white, with a yellow centre. This species blooms in July-August and prefers well-drained, but moist soil.

The Allium plummerae is also known as Plummer's Onion and Tanner's Canyon Onion. It belongs to the family of alliaceae (formerly liliaceae). It is native to southern Arizona in the United States and Sonora in Mexico. It has a very limited distribution, found at high altitudes between 1600 and 2800 m, on rocky slopes and riverbanks. It therefore prefers good garden soil and adequate irrigation. It is a very reliable species, not invasive, forming tufts that reach a height of 50 cm, flowering in July-August. Its lanceolate green-grey foliage is strongly keeled (almost three-sided). The flowers look upwards from the umbel. They are white to pale pink, waxy, quite large, with cream-yellow ovaries that age to a reddish-brown colour.

The Allium plummerae appreciates moist to wet soil during its growing period, but always very well-drained, even rather sandy, in a sunny location. It is a high-quality species, with a long flowering period and relatively large flowers. It can be used in rock gardens, borders, or in Mediterranean perennial beds. It can also be grown in a pot or alpine trough to enjoy its beautiful flowering on a balcony or terrace, provided it is watered regularly during flowering. Plant it in groups of 5, which you can place among low ornamental grasses, or among other varieties of Alliums.

Small vegetable garden tip: plant some ornamental garlics among the strawberries to protect them from fungal diseases, they will bring some pleasant blooms that are sometimes lacking in the midst of vegetables.