Allium schoenoprasum fine-leaved
fine-leaved chives
A form of chives with finer, softer leaves than common chives that forms a dense clump to about 25cm tall. In early summer it bears clusters of ball shaped purple flowers, much loved by bees. Both flowers and leaves, which have a mild oniony flavour, are edible.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Chives are easy to grow in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded spot. They can also be grown in containers of peat-free, loam-based compost. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See chive cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
Pruning
Remove dead flower heads or cut back after flowering to encourage fresh new growth.
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to onion downy mildew and leek rust
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