Allium schoenoprasum

Alliums are hands down our favorite bulbous plants - they also happen to be the largest genus of bulbous plants. Alliums are grown for food (onions), health (garlic), and ornament (think of the giant purple spring orbs). We find all alliums beautiful and can't resist growing as many varieties as we can get our hands on. Alliums grow happily on most soils and in many conditions, but most prefer a sunny spot on dry, lime-y soil.

Allium schoenoprasum, the classic culinary chive, is not a bulb but is a clump-forming perennial that will self-sow prolifically. Its beautiful purple flowers are edible and we wouldn't be without this plant in either the garden or kitchen.

Zones: 3 to 9
Family: Alliaceae
Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Height: 12 to 18 in.
Spread: 12 to 18 in.
Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil: Well-drained, Average
Bloom Time: June to August

Image Credits:

• Image 1 H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
• Image 2 Tigerente, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons