Allium schoenoprasum fine-leaved

RHS Plant Profile
fine-leaved chives
Plants for pollinators
Herbs - Culinary

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.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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