Allium Universe
Allium Universe
Allium Universe
Allium Universe
Allium Universe
Onion, Garlic, Leek, Chive, Shallot
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Description
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.
Plant habit
Flowering
Foliage
Botanical data
Allium
Universe
Amaryllidaceae
Onion, Garlic, Leek, Chive, Shallot
Cultivar or hybrid
Planting and care
Ornamental alliums are relatively easy to grow plants in sunny and well-drained soils that do not retain too much moisture. However, they do require some soil moisture throughout their growth and flowering period, as well as just after flowering so that the bulb can replenish its reserves and multiply. This means that Mediterranean regions, where the soil naturally dries out from June onwards, are not very favourable for the perpetuation of Allium Universe, where it may tend to disappear over the years. Its ancestor, Allium giganteum, is not native to arid regions in summer, but rather to mountainous and rocky regions that receive more precipitation in early summer.
Preferably plant them before the end of October so that your Alliums have time to establish themselves. They dislike winter moisture in clayey and waterlogged soils. Give them a sunny spot in well-drained soil, even rocky or gravel-enriched. Bury them at a depth of 10 cm, spaced 15 cm apart for larger ones, a depth of 10 cm, spaced 7 cm apart for smaller bulbs. Planting in a 20x20cm pocket of pure sand proves effective in preventing bulb rot.
Planting period
Intended location
Care
Planting & care advice
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Hardiness is the lowest winter temperature a plant can endure without suffering serious damage or even dying. However, hardiness is affected by location (a sheltered area, such as a patio), protection (winter cover) and soil type (hardiness is improved by well-drained soil).
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In temperate climates, pruning of spring-flowering shrubs (forsythia, spireas, etc.) should be done just after flowering.
Pruning of summer-flowering shrubs (Indian Lilac, Perovskia, etc.) can be done in winter or spring.
In cold regions as well as with frost-sensitive plants, avoid pruning too early when severe frosts may still occur.
The harvesting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions in USDA zone 8 (France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...) fruit and vegetable harvests are likely to be delayed by 3-4 weeks.
In warmer areas (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), harvesting will probably take place earlier, depending on weather conditions.
The sowing periods indicated on our website apply to countries and regions within USDA Zone 8 (France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...), delay any outdoor sowing by 3-4 weeks, or sow under glass.
In warmer climes (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), bring outdoor sowing forward by a few weeks.
The planting period indicated on our website applies to regions in USDA Zone 9a (East Coast and Midlands: Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Portlaoise). It will vary depending on where you live:
- On the west coast and in the north-west (Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Donegal, Westport), delay planting by 1 to 2 weeks in spring and bring it forward by 1 to 2 weeks in autumn compared to the dates given, preferably choosing periods without strong winds.
- In the inland hills and plateaus (Wicklow Mountains, Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Connemara, Killarney), it is best to plant in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October), avoiding periods of waterlogged soil in winter and strong winds, which pose the main risk to newly planted trees in these areas.
The flowering period indicated on our website applies to regions in USDA Zone 9a, such as the East Coast and Midlands, including Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny and Portlaoise.
This will vary depending on where you live:
- On the west coast and in the northwest (Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Donegal and Westport), it will be delayed by one to two weeks compared to the given dates, due to stronger Atlantic winds and less spring sunshine.
- In the inland hills and plateaus (the Wicklow Mountains, the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Connemara and Killarney), flowering will be delayed by two to three weeks. Flowering mainly occurs between May and July, with the limiting factors being less frost and more of the excessive humidity, strong winds and lack of sunshine that are characteristic of these areas.