Allium Nigrum (Ornamental Onion) – White Late Spring Flowering Allium (Bag of 10 Bulbs)

You receive 10 dry bulbs in a bag, ready to plant. They are not growing plants. The photos show the flowers in bloom.

Allium nigrum, also sold as Black Garlic or White Ornamental Onion, is an easy ornamental allium with large, domed flowerheads of creamy white star-shaped blooms, each with a dark centre. It brings an elegant, naturalistic look to borders and cottage-style planting schemes.

Plant the dry bulbs in drifts through mixed borders, or alongside other late spring flowering perennials. The flowers appear from late spring into early summer and make good cut flowers. The seedheads keep their ornamental interest well after flowering. Alliums also grow well in pots, and bees and other pollinators visit the flowers.

Plant in autumn in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, spacing the bulbs around 15cm apart for a natural, drifted effect. Let the foliage die back naturally after flowering so the bulbs can build up energy for next year. Keep the soil from staying wet through winter, as the bulbs can rot.

Bulbs are harmful if eaten. Keep away from children and pets.

Cultural Information

• Botanical Name: Allium spp.
• Common Names: Ornamental Onion, Black Garlic
• Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming with tall, sturdy stems
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 60-90cm tall and 10-15cm wide
• Perfect For: Borders, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, gravel gardens, pots
• Foliage: Broad, strap-like grey-green leaves
• Planting Time: September to November
• Flowering Time: February to May per the library; the supplier gives late spring to early summer (May to June)
• Planting Depth: Approximately 10-15cm deep
• Planting Position: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Hardiness: Fully hardy