Allium 'Avatar'

CHF 10.95

Allium 'Avatar'

Name: Allium 'Avatar'
Brand: Allium
Price: 10.95 CHF
Availability: OutOfStock

Allium 'Avatar'

CHF 10.95

Pink to lilac-pink flower globes, about 5 cm across
Long flowering from June to September
Clump-forming perennial, supplied as a bare-root plant
Compact, about 35–45 cm tall
Foliage stays attractive into autumn

'Avatar' is an allium with a difference: not a classic bulb but a clump-forming perennial. From June to September, numerous pink flower globes of about 5 cm appear above firm, glossy foliage. Bees and butterflies visit them all summer.

About this variety

If you think of alliums only as large early summer globes, 'Avatar' will surprise you. The plant forms dense clumps of upright, strap-shaped foliage that is glossy and stays fresh for a long time. Above it stand many small flower balls in soft pink with a silvery sheen, about 5 cm across. Over the years the clump grows wider and carries more and more flowers.

At about 35–45 cm tall, 'Avatar' suits the border edge, the rock garden and pots on the balcony. A sunny spot and free-draining, rather dry to moist soil are enough. It looks lovely in front of lavender, catmint or low grasses, as an edging along a path or among roses, where it covers the bare base.

This allium is a gain for pollinators, as it flowers at a time when many spring bloomers have long since died back. Bees and butterflies visit it from June to September. Single stems are suitable for small posies. The plant is hardy in Switzerland and returns reliably every year.

Planting

Plant the bare-root plants in spring from March to May or in early autumn in September and October. Set them 10–15 cm deep in loose, well-drained soil, 15–25 cm apart. A spot in full sun produces the most flowers. Water in well after planting.

Care

Water during long dry spells; the roots do not tolerate waterlogging. You can cut off faded heads to keep the plant tidy. Only cut back the foliage in late autumn or early spring. In pots, ensure good drainage and protect from constant wet in winter. Every few years a large clump can be divided.

Specifications

Botanical name: Allium 'Avatar'
Genus: Allium
Class: Various
Supplied as: Bare roots
Flower colour: Pink
Flower size: 5 cm
Fragrant: No
Flowering time: June, July, August, September
Flowering season: Early summer, High summer, Late summer and autumn
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 25 cm
Habit: Upright, Clump-forming
Position: Sun
Suitable for: Bed, Bed edge and border, Pot and container, Rock garden, Wildlife garden and meadow, Cutting garden
Soil type: Loamy, Sandy
Drainage: Well-drained
Soil moisture: Rather dry to moist
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil note: Suitable for many Swiss garden soils. A loose structure and good drainage matter more than a particular soil type.
Planting time: March, April, May, September, October
Planting depth: 4–6 inches
Spacing: 15–25 cm
Number per m²: 35
Hardiness in Switzerland: Hardy in Switzerland
Overwintering note: Generally hardy in garden soil in Switzerland. At high, windy sites and in containers, plan extra winter protection and avoid winter wet.
For containers: Only partly suitable for containers
Container note: Only recommended in a sufficiently large, stable, well-drained container.
Cut flower: Suitable as a cut flower
Naturalising: Partly suitable
Naturalising note: Can return for several years. Spreading on its own is not guaranteed for this variety, however.
For bees and butterflies: Pollinator-friendly