ALLIUM ALEXEIANUM

Description

Short, stubby flower stems, seldom more than 7-10 cm tall carry an inverted conical to rounded umbel of broadly funnel-shaped, bright red-pink flowers. These are held above attractive, long, ovate, blue-green leaves margined with red, which protrude from small, white-coated bulbs, which in the trade are often sold for between ten and fifteen pounds each! It is not surprisingly a very rare and most decorative little species, perfect in a pot or even under alpine glass, though it is happy also outside, as long as provided with a fertile, loam-based soil, good drainage and a dryish summer rest. It is a central Asian species named by Regel as long ago as 1875 from Turkmenistan where it was said to have been found at between 3,000 and 11,000 feet altitude, although it is now known to range throughout the Pamir mountain systems. Few seeds collected.

Sowing Advice

Sow seeds at any time, covering them very thinly with compost or grit, keeping the seed pot in a cool, well-lit spot outdoors. Artificial heat is not needed and can prevent germination so be very patient as many species will only germinate in the spring after chilling or freezing in the moist seed pot in the winter. Grow on individual seedlings in small pots until of sufficient size to be potted on or planted out into the open ground.

Key Facts