Allium caeruleum

Allium caeruleum, also known as the blue globe onion, blue ornamental onion, or blue-of-the-heavens, is a bulbous plant from the Allium genus, in the Amaryllidaceae family. It is native to Russia, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, but is also cultivated in many other regions as an ornamental plant.

Description

Allium caeruleum grows from a small bulb, approximately 2 cm in diameter. The plant typically reaches a height of 20-80 cm. The leaves are linear and flat, measuring up to 30 cm long. The flowers are arranged in a dense, spherical inflorescence on a leafless stem. The individual flowers are small, star-shaped, and bright blue in color.

Cultivation

Allium caeruleum is a hardy plant that can tolerate temperatures down to -40°C. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. The bulbs should be planted in autumn, at a depth of about three times their diameter. The plant is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and feeding with a balanced fertilizer.

Uses

While Allium caeruleum is primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its striking blue flowers, it is also used in traditional medicine in some cultures. The bulbs and leaves are said to have antiseptic, diuretic, and expectorant properties.

See also

• List of Allium species
• Ornamental plant
• Bulb (botany)