I’ve always loved science, so when a high school counselor encouraged me to take Latin, I agreed. It was the common language for scientific work in the Middle Ages and was used to name species of organisms. In the 18th century, Carolus Linnaeus continued using Latin when he established his system of binomial nomenclature to identify each kind of plant by genus and specific name. This system is still used to identify plants.
In high school, I didn’t realize my Latin lessons would have benefits extending far beyond the classroom. When I planted my first garden, I was pleased to find I was not intimidated or confused by flowers’ Latin names. However, like most people, I typically refer to plants by their easier to remember common names.
The common name for Allium is ornamental onion, but “allium” means garlic in Latin. The Allium genus includes onions, chives, leeks, as well as garlic. It’s a distinctive garden plant with long stems supporting globe-like blooms composed of hundreds of densely packed individual flowers.
A delightful feature of Allium is that it comes in various heights and colors with different bloom times. This variation allows you to incorporate Allium in different garden designs. Larger varieties such as Gladiator, Goliath, and Globemaster grow 40 inches tall with flower heads nearly 8 inches wide. These varieties are particularly powerful when mixed among other plants. You can achieve color variation by planting Red Mohican which features deep-red heads extending above tiny white florets, or Zamin with its lovely blue florets. You can achieve contrast with smaller varieties like Graceful Beauty Allium which grows 16–18 inches and blooms in early summer.
Long-lasting Allium can provide a colorful bridge while other flowers in your garden transition from spring to summer. After the Allium clusters fade and turn to seed, they retain their ball shape. No need to remove seed heads. They will continue adding interest and texture for weeks to come.
Since Allium are perennials, they can be instrumental in the design of a mature garden. They can be placed sporadically for interesting repetition throughout the garden. Or several Allium can be planted close together to create a forceful focal point. They can be stunning when planted among ornamental grasses. Or they can be useful when planted with lavender and yarrow for a deer-resistant garden.
Allium bulbs should be planted in the fall before the ground freezes. Although fairly tolerant of any type of soil, they should be placed in well-drained areas because the bulbs could rot from too much moisture, especially during dormancy. Gardeners are particularly fond of Allium because they typically remain pest free and are even known to repel aphids and other pests.
Enter to Win
This month, CCL is giving away a package of 20 Heavenly Hues Allium bulbs from Breck’s for you to plant in your garden this fall. Find the entry form online at www.coloradocountrylife.coop/monthly-contests. Or enter by mailing your name, address, phone number, and the name of your electric co-op to CONTESTS c/o CCL 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216.
Master gardener Vicki Spencer has an eclectic background in conservation, water, natural resources, and more.