Allium karataviense 'RED GIANT' Turkestan onion
size/type
low perennial,low perennial
usual height
0,2-0,3m
usual width
0,2-0,3m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
May-June
location
full sun
soil type
any (acidic to alkaline)
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist but well-drained
USDA zone (lowest)
4 (down to -34°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Ornamental onion is an attractive bulbous perennial commonly found all around mountainous regions of northern hemisphere. Most sought-after varieties are those with huge globular inflorescence in mid spring, yet there are others that bloom in the middle of summer offering handsome foliage all season round. If you like those large-flowered ornamental onion varieties with blue flowers on tall stems, this little boy will take you by surprise. Turkestan onion is its short growing brother from Karatau (Black Mountain) in southern part of Kazachstan, Central Asia. The species produces pale pink, less conspicuous flowers but selected varieties boast more conspicuous colours.
Description of the plant:
Red Giant is a true giant among Turkestan onion. It makes up to 13 cm large flower heads composed of deep purple red, star-shaped flowers from about mid May until early June. Its leaves are blue green with silvery icing, 12-15 long, 6-8 cm wide. They die back soon after flowering and may be removed or left in situ if their unsightly state is not irritating. Stems are commonly 10-15 cm tall, in very fertile soil may reach up to 25 cm. As the production of seeds exhausts the plant the stems are best cut off just after flowering – plants reproduce by roots/bulbs. Self-seeded plants may not hold the colour of the mother plant.Large-flowered ornamental onions need very well-drained soil or sand-based loam, and location in full sun. Avoid soils that remain wet especially when the plant is dormant. Should you have no other choice dig up the plant in midsummer, and plant it in a pot that is kept away from excess rain until early spring when it can be transplanted to the ground again, now with new roots that developed in the pot during dormancy. The bulb should be at least 5 cm or better 10 cm below the ground level. The stems are strong enough to withstand common weather caprices, however, open and exposed locations (windy seaside, large open fields, smooth mountain slopes etc.) are not recommended. In spite of the garlic/onion smell no part of the plant is edible. Turkestan onion is usually hardy to about -34 °C (USDA zone 4).
Last update 29-05-2022
