Allium cepa (Cepa Group) 'Quattro'
onion 'Quattro'
A large, hardy perennial grown as a both a decorative and edible plant, with edible, grass-like thin green leaves which have a taste somewhere between chives and garlic. Globe-shaped purple flowers appear in June through to October and, as they have no fragrance, make ideal cut flowers
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a sunny location in moisutre-retentive soil or in large pots and containers on their own, or as part of a mixed display. See RHS chives grow your own guide for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed in early spring. Plants purchased from nurseries or garden centres can be potted out in early spring onwards. Lift and divide large clumps in the spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Remove faded leaves and spent flowers
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to leek rust
Get involved
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