Persian Onion, Ornamental Onion
Allium aflatunense
Family: Alliaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Purple. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late spring. Form: Upright or erect.
Allium aflatunense is a BULB growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Not known
W. Asia - Soviet mid Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Bulb - raw or cooked. The bulb varies greatly in size, from 2 - 6cm. Leaves - raw or cooked. Flowers - raw. Used as a garnish on salads.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The plant possesses outstanding germicidal properties, all cultures being destroyed under its influence. Although no other specific mention has been seen for this species, members of this genus are in general very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavour) and when added to the diet on a regular basis they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system.
Antibiotic: An agent that inhibits or destroys a living organism. It usually refers to bacteria or other micro-organisms and is probably synonymous with Antibacterial
Other
Rating:
The growing plant is said to repel insects and moles.
Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Container, Foundation, Massing, Rock garden, Seashore, Specimen. Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants. This species does not have the characteristic garlic smell of most members of the genus. Grows well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but it inhibits the growth of legumes. This plant is a bad companion for alfalfa, each species negatively affecting the other. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer. Special Features: Fragrant foliage, Not North American native, Naturalizing, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers, Suitable for dried flowers.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle - if you want to produce clumps more quickly then put three plants in each pot. Grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter and plant them out into their permanent positions in spring once they are growing vigorously and are large enough. Division in spring. The plants divide successfully at any time in the growing season, pot up the divisions in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing well and then plant them out into their permanent positions.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Bulb
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible.