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Allium sikkimense
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Himalayan allium

A clump-forming, bulbous perennial, to 25cm tall, with erect, linear basal leaves. Blue flowers, each up to 1cm long, are borne in small, pendent umbels in summer

Other common names
blue-flowered onion
Sikkim onion
Synonyms
Allium kansuense
Allium tibeticum
see moreAllium cyaneum var. brachystemon

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
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
Himalaya Tibet China

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

Divide clumps in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • 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 mildews and occasionally leek rust

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