Allium obliquum
(Lopsided Onion)
Family - Alliaceae
Category - Bulb
Origin - Romania, Central Asia, Siberia
Season of Interest - Summer
Hardiness - H4
Height - up to 90cm
Width - 10cm
Location - The House Border
Description: A bulbous Perennial with an upright habit. Aromatic grey-green, linear leaves are held at the base of twisted, upright stems. Many small, soft yellow flowers with long stamens are produced in dense, rounded umbels in midsummer. The flowerheads are pendent when in bud, but gradually become upright as the flowers open. Excellent for use as cut flowers and attractive to pollinating insects.
The common name 'Lopsided Onion' is a reference to the unusual twisting habit of the stems.
Flower:
Many small cup-shaped flowers are a soft shade of yellow. Each bloom has long, prominent stamens. The flowers are held in dense, rounded umbels held atop upright stems and are produced in June and July. The flowerheads reach approximately 2.5cm across.
Flower colour: Yellow
Flower shape: Cup-shaped flowers held in umbels
Flowering time: June, July
Foliage:
Aromatic, grey-green leaves are linear in shape. The leaves are held at the base of twisted, upright stems. The foliage smells strongly of onions when crushed.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Linear
Propagation:
Seed, division.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun in fertile, moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained.