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Allium thunbergii
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Thunberg garlic

A bulbous perennial with glossy, linear leaves and bell-shaped, rosy-pink flowers borne in umbels on slender stems in autumn. Both leaves and bulbs are edible

Synonyms
Allium komarovianum
Allium japonicum
see moreAllium taquetii
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Pink Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Allium are bulbous herbaceous perennials with a strong onion or garlic scent, linear, strap-shaped or cylindrical basal leaves and star-shaped or bell-shaped flowers in an umbel on a leafless stem

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Japan EC China S Korea

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in reasonably fertile well-drained soil with full sun at the front of the border. Further allium cultivation advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed; sow seed in containers in cold frame as soon as ripe or sow in spring. Divide clumps in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Coastal
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to onion fly

Diseases

May be affected by onion white rot and downy mildew and occasionally leek rust

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