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Allium senescens
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

ageing allium

A bulbous herbaceous perennial, up to 30cm high, with a tuft of twisted, grass-like green leaves, and pink-lilac flowers in late summer

Other common names
ageing chive
German garlic
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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
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Pink Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
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
Siberia to Korea

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun; for more advice see Allium cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division during spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to onion white rot and a downy mildew

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