Allium obliquum
twisted-leaf garlic
Overview
Allium obliquum is a bulbous perennial in the amaryllis family, producing a single upright flowering stem 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall from a small bulb. The basal leaves are strap-shaped, 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) long and 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) wide, grey-green and slightly twisted, fading as the flowers open. In late spring and early summer a dense, rounded umbel 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) across opens at the stem tip, packed with many small yellow flowers, a color uncommon among cultivated Allium spp.. The umbels dry to pale seed heads that hold their shape into late summer. The bulb multiplies slowly into a small clump over several years. Foliage yellows and dies back by midsummer, leaving bare stems through the later part of the flowering display. All parts smell of onion when bruised.
Native Range
Native to eastern Europe and central Asia, from Romania and Ukraine east through Russia to Kazakhstan and western China. Grows in meadows, open scrub, and rocky slopes on well-drained soils.Suggested Uses
Planted in sunny borders, gravel gardens, and among low perennials that mask the fading foliage, at 6-8 inch (15-20 cm) spacing and 3-4 inch (8-10 cm) depth. Dried seed heads are used in cut and dried arrangements. Mid-season foliage dieback leaves gaps in the planting.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread6" - 10"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in well-drained soil and tolerates dry conditions once established. Performs poorly in heavy, wet soils, where bulbs rot over winter. Water during active spring growth in the absence of rain, then reduce water as foliage dies back. Bulbs multiply slowly and can be lifted and divided every 3-4 years when clumps become congested. Onion fly and white rot occur where alliums are grown in the same ground repeatedly. Foliage dies down by midsummer and the plant is dormant through late summer and autumn.Pruning
Remove spent flower stems after the seed heads fade if self-seeding is not wanted. Allow foliage to die back naturally to feed the bulb for the following season. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons