Ornamental onions, or just alliums as many gardeners call them, are undemanding and easy to care for. With its almost extravagant appearance, it makes a lot and attracts attention. So why not just put him in the bed?

Ornamental onions get along well with other ornamental plants and vegetables

Find suitable partners for underplanting

Anyone who is not yet familiar with the ornamental onion will look concerned when they see that the plant is already getting yellowish leaves around April/May. This is perfectly normal. It doesn't look good, however, and for this reason many gardeners underplant the ornamental onion with ground cover or low-growing, clump-forming perennials.

For example, all those plants that have similar location requirements are well suited for planting under the location of ornamental onions:

  • lavender
  • oregano
  • Comfrey
  • lady's mantle
  • sedum
  • cranesbill
  • bed roses
  • phlox
  • catnip
  • coneflower
  • cushion asters
  • dyer's chamomile
  • low ornamental grasses

Which varieties are suitable for beds?

Basically all types and varieties of ornamental onions are suitable for beds. It depends on where you want to plant the ornamental onions. Should be more in the foreground of the bed? In the background? Or would you rather be in the middle and between other perennials?

For the foreground you should choose low ornamental onions such as the dwarf ornamental onion. The tall, giant ornamental onion is ideal for the background. In the middle of the bed, the star bulb leek looks great and the golden leek is not to be scoffed at there either, if it is combined with red-flowering perennials.

Fertilize and water regularly

The ornamental onion in the bed needs regular care. It should go without saying:

  • supply with compost or other complete fertilizer in the spring
  • Water abundantly during the sprouting phase
  • Avoid waterlogging
  • Do not remove yellowing leaves
  • if necessary, cut off the old inflorescences

Protect from snail damage

If the ornamental onion is still very young or freshly sprouted in spring, it is delicious food for snails. They are all too happy to nibble it down completely. If your bed is prone to snail infestation, protect the ornamental onions in spring with a snail fence or similar. From May you can usually remove the protection.

tips

In harsh locations and with sensitive varieties, consider placing a protective layer of brushwood over the bulb area in the ground in late fall!

Category:

Indoor plants