Although the Allium is available for a large part of the year, we often associate this flower with the summer season, as the natural blooming period for many varieties is from May to Jul.
The applicability of the Allium has seen a significant increase in recent years as the popularity of creating field bouquets has grown. Often, the Allium stands out at the top of the bouquet due to its length and beautiful spherical shape. Usually, it is seen in the well-known lilac-purple flower color, but sometimes also in white or even pinkish hues.
Different Alliums are characterized by their ornamental value through their beautiful round flower shape and lilac-purple flower color, though there are also varieties that stand out because of their distinctive flower shape. For example, consider Allium christophii with small star-shaped flowers or the more well-known Allium schubertii with larger star-shaped flowers.
Zooming in on the last mentioned variety, Allium schubertii, the stem often has a length between 50-75 cm. The ornamental value of this Allium lies mainly in its whimsical flower shape, with a flower diameter that can reach up to 25-30 cm. The flowers are densely packed close to the stem on the inside, but from these flowers, several smaller flowers shoot upwards, giving the appearance of stars floating around the core of the flower. Very decorative!
In addition to the earlier mentioned colors and flower shapes, there is another variety that particularly steals the show due to its size: the Allium giganteum. This Allium lives up to its name in both length and flower diameter, with the stem reaching up to 150 cm long and the flower diameter being around 20 cm. It is ideally suited for use in larger floral works or arrangements.
What if a customer in your store finds the scent of the Allium objectionable?
The Dutch name for Allium is Sierui or Look, so it is not surprising that this flower naturally has an onion-like scent. One tip to reduce the onion-like smell is to place the Allium in very cold water when putting it in a vase.
Additionally, the Allium is also well-suited for placement in a vase on an outdoor table, where it performs well. The outdoor climate positively affects the longevity and thus the blooming period of the Allium.
Curious about the possibilities within the Allium assortment? Contact Nursery J.M. van Berkel, a true specialist in a diverse range of Alliums for many years. Highly recommended!
