Allium Universe

The 'Universe' Allium is currently the largest ornamental onion. The massive, spherical flower heads of this allium measure at least 18 cm in diameter. Of a slightly mauve violet, this globular flowering, composed of a multitude of shiny star-shaped flowers, is carried at the top of sturdy stems in May and June. This variety multiplies rapidly over the years in well-drained soil and full sun. It is superb in borders, flowering pots, and dried or fresh bouquets.

The Universe Allium is a perennial herbaceous bulb, belonging to the Alliaceae or Amaryllidaceae family according to classifications. It comes from Allium giganteum, native to eastern and central Asia, from Afghanistan to Pakistan and Russia, as well as the Himalayas. It is a plant of sun, and light, well-drained soil that prefers limestone soils. Its bulb is resistant to cold in soils that are not too wet, especially in winter and the second half of summer.

The large bulb of this 'Universe' Allium develops a rosette of long and large fleshy, ribbon-like leaves in spring, with a green-grey-blue colour, measuring up to 50 cm in height. This decorative foliage dries up as the flowers bloom. The upright and strong, 70 cm flower stems emerge from the end of May in average climates, sometimes in June-July depending on the region. They bear at their tip a superb globular inflorescence measuring 18 to 22 cm in diameter. Each inflorescence is composed of numerous small star-shaped flowers with 6 petals in a pink-mauve colour. These flower heads have no fragrance but remain very decorative in borders once pollinated. The bulb replenishes its reserves after flowering and produces many daughter bulbs, allowing it to multiply rapidly.

The 'Universe' ornamental onion is remarkable combined with perennials in shades of pink and blue in large borders. Perfect in a contemporary-style setting, for a dynamic effect, its flowers can structure a modern garden where several geometric shapes oppose each other. It can be associated, for example, with moving grasses like Stipa tenuissima, lavenders, and cone-shaped topiaries. It is irreplaceable in a romantic mixed border, surrounded by a carpet of Nepeta 'Six Hill Giant', accompanied by Stachys byzantina with grey foliage and herbaceous peonies with large flowers against a backdrop of opulent flowering roses. In any situation, remember to accompany it with low-growing and bushy plants that will hide its base once the foliage has dried.