Allium schoenoprasum
chives
A small, bulbous perennial forming a clump of upright, narrowly cylindrical, hollow, onion-scented leaves up to 30cm tall. Rounded umbels of light purple bell-shaped flowers are held above the foliage. It is a popular and easy-to-use herb, both leaves and flowers are edible. Small flowers are also rich in nectar, attracting bees and other pollinators
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing 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
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- 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
- Plant range
- Temp N Hemisphere
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in fertile, well-drained soil. Add grit when grown in clay soils to improve drainage. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See chive cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed, bulbs or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Harvest leaves regularly to promote new, fresh growth. Alternatively, cut back the clump to 5cm from the base after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free. Onion white rot and onion downy mildew may occur
Get involved
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