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Herbs - Culinary

Allium schoenoprasum fine-leaved
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H6
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

Get involved

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