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Allium senescens
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

ageing allium

A bulbous herbaceous perennial, up to 30cm high, with a tuft of twisted, grass-like green leaves, and pink-lilac flowers in late summer

Other common names
ageing chive
German garlic

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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 Pink Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
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
Siberia to Korea

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun; for more advice see Allium cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division during spring or autumn

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

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to onion white rot and a downy mildew

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