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Allium 'Universe'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

allium 'Universe'

A bulbous perennial to 70cm tall bearing large, spherical, loosely-packed, violet-purple flowerheads up to 18cm across in summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 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
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Bulbs may irritate skin or aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
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

Easy to grow in fertile well-drained soil in sun.

Propagation

Propagate by offsets

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Onion white rot and a downy mildew may occur

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