Allium schoenoprasum 'Forescate'

RHS Plant Profile
chives 'Forescate'
Plants for pollinators
Herbs - Culinary

This cultivar is larger than common chives and forms a good sized dense clump to 30cm tall, with hollow, tubular, bright green, onion-scented leaves. In early summer it bears attractive large clusters of pink flowers. Both leaves and flowers are edible, the flowers also make good cut flowers.

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
Alkaline or Acid 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
Accepted

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. See chive cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

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