late-summer Alliums

I have quite a few late summer alliums open now. Most are colour selections of Allium flavum ssp. tauricum. Here is Allium flavum itself. The stems are quite blue.

A close-up of Allium flavum.

Allium flavum ssp. tauricum...I have no idea why it is a sub-species..the only difference I see is the fact that the stems are not blue like the yellow one. However, they do come in a mix of colours. I planted seeds and ended up with 5 colours. This is one I coin 'Granny Smith'

This I call 'Apricot'

This is 'Tangarine' (notice a theme developing!)

Finally 'Pink Grapefruit'

Closely related is Allium pulchellum 'Album'

Allium tuberosum, the garlic chives.

Allium nutans, one of my favourites at this time of year. The flower heads are 3" across.

And a new one that bloomed for the first time this year, Allium lusitanicum. Similar to nutans but overall about 1/3 the size.

Well aren't they spectacular, Todd? I have never seen these late summer Alliums before. I am such a fan of the spring Alliums, now I must look for some of these beauties too. I rather like the sub species flavum types. Such gorgeous colors. You are quite the enabler, sir, but thanks for sharing the (as usual) wonderful photos. :)

These are wonderful Todd. And you started them from seed? Where did you get the seed?

I'd like to grow some of those next year.

Joan

Were you hungry when you posted those Todd? Maybe a little fruit salad. Quite a bit of variation in those fruity onions.
My alliums did very poorly this year. Guess they didn't like all that rain. The nutans were nice, but not as nice and big as yours.

I can run out and label a few. Yippee.
Inanda

They're beautiful pictures Todd. Gee I love your camera. I looked it up after you told me which one it was and I can understand why it takes such clear, gorgeous pictures. Sigh....I guess I can dream.

I plan on collecting seeds so check my seed list later the fall and perhaps you will get the chnace to try some. All my summer bloomers were grown from seed as the bulbs never really go dormant like the spring-bloomers, thus you can't buy them as bare bulbs. My Allium thunbergii is just budding now...it blooms in October!

I forgot to post my Allium cyaneum..a real rock garden treasure at only 4" tall!

I've never grown Alliums (except for the garlic chives). I think that will have to change. ;-) Nice pictures, Todd.

Ann

Wow Todd, some more of your excellent pix. I don't think I even knew there were late summer alliums. I do plant the spring bloomers. Luv your 'Pink Grapefruit' & nutans.

I'd love to have that beauty in my garden right now.

Will watch for your seed list. Will it be in a regular post?

Joan

Hello Todd, with regards to "Allium cyaneum", I'm positively drooling. Does it require full sun?
Wonderful, clear photos. Thanks for sharing.

Erynne

I really love that last one Todd....the Allium cyaneum. We've been changing part of the rock garden....taking out some of the plants that became too large. I need a few new things and that would be perfect. Do you think you'll have any seeds from that one?

Sandy

Allium cyaneum can take part shade (mine is growing under a Daphne alpina). I will collect seed if it sets any. I will probably post a list of seeds I have on the Canadian trade once the list is complete (say October) to give us Canadians first dibs. Then I'll add the leftovers to the regular seed trade list.

I lke alliums and have a lot of spring/summer flowering types including some of the really big ones but not fall bloomers. They are beautiful Have to look out for them. I only plant bulbs that will naturalize and most of the early ones do just that!

carol

These late summer bloomers will self-seed if allowed but they never truly go dormant, rather, they stay green until fall then you cut them back like regular perennials.

Todd, they must be very hardy then?

Is there still a 'Canadian Trade'?

Joan

Many are listed for only zone 5, but they are in fact, much hardier I think. A winter mulching would probably assure their survival.

Was At Wall Mart last night..They had 2 kinds of Allium in the bulb section..7 Bulbs for $ 7 something..Definetely a great price for any one wanting to start these.
I could pick some up for anyone who wants them who can't obtain them from their area if they want-just let me know.
Ingrid

Forgot to mention, Aflatunese and Siclum were the ones I picked up that are available.
Ingrid

These are all wonderful! I have a couple of autumn flowering alliums and would like more - they certainly extend the season very nicely.