Flower Library
Allium (Ornamental Onion)
Allium · Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllisgewächse)
Allium is an architectural beauty: perfectly round flower spheres on dead-straight, leafless stems that instantly give any bouquet structure and elegance. As a bulb plant it is one of the longest-lasting cut flowers of all. Because at Fleura we buy directly at the Veiling Rhein-Maas in A1 quality, our allium stems often last considerably longer than the industry-standard seven days.
- Season
- May – June – July
- Vase life
- 10–18 days
- Latin name
- Allium
- Colors
- Violet, Purple, Blue, White, Pink, Green
The variety of allium cultivars is impressive. The range spans from the mighty giant onion hybrid Globemaster with spheres up to 25 centimetres across, through the delicate, star-shaped Allium christophii, to the small drumstick allium (Allium sphaerocephalon). Most often the classic violet Purple Sensation reaches our work table, a colour that performs reliably in any floral design.
In floristry we value allium above all as a structural flower. The floating spheres set striking accents in loose, modern bouquets and bring sterile lines to life. In tall vases a single large-headed allium stands beautifully on its own, while smaller varieties grouped together create a playful rhythm.
A true quality marker is the stage of ripeness at purchase: we take allium where most of the individual florets have already opened but the sphere still looks fresh and plump. Such stems are thick, firm and straight. A faint onion scent when cutting is completely normal and dissipates quickly; it is not a sign of poor freshness.
Stylistically allium is a rewarding partner. It harmonises wonderfully with peonies, delphinium and grasses in a playful summer bouquet, yet looks equally refined in reduced, almost graphic arrangements. Once spent it keeps its shape and dries excellently, so its beauty lives on as a decorative seed head for months.
Care
- 01Cut stems at an angle and place them in clean, tall vases so the heavy spheres are well supported.
- 02Change the vase water every two days, as a bulb plant allium clouds the water more than other flowers.
- 03Simply air out the typical onion scent after cutting; it disappears on its own.
- 04Keep cool and out of direct sun, which noticeably extends the vase life.
- 05Look for ripe, fully opened spheres on a firm, straight stem; drooping stems indicate old stock.
- 06Do not throw away spent stems: dry them upside down in an airy spot and the sphere shape is preserved as a dried flower.
Frequently asked
- How long does allium last in the vase?
- Allium is one of the longest-lasting cut flowers. In clean water it lasts ten to fourteen days, and with good quality and regular water changes often up to three weeks. Our A1-grade stock from the Veiling usually reaches the upper end of that range.
- Is allium toxic to cats and dogs?
- Yes. Allium contains sulphur compounds that are toxic to dogs and cats and can cause anything from gastrointestinal upset to anaemia if eaten, with cats being especially sensitive. Always keep stems and especially the bulbs out of reach of pets. For humans, by contrast, many allium species are edible.
- When is allium in season as a cut flower?
- The main season for fresh allium is late spring and early summer, roughly from May to July. During this period we receive the finest and largest spheres in top quality at the Veiling Rhein-Maas.
- Does allium smell of onions in the home?
- Only briefly after cutting a faint onion scent rises, because allium belongs to the onion family. This smell fades within minutes and is not noticeable once in the vase. Regular water changes additionally prevent any unpleasant odours.