Alliums are a large, diverse family of plants. The allium genus contains 700 different species. We first find them in early American kitchen gardens where onions and chives were important plants to grow for culinary purposes. Today, many new forms of the original allium culinary bulbs have been hybridized into the beautiful, ornamental flowering onion plants that have so much impact in our modern gardens.

Allium bulbs of all sizes are prized as an important element in landscape design due to their versatility and multi-season bloom period. From early spring to late fall, different allium cultivars can add interest to your garden areas. In addition to their culinary assets, smaller forms of alliums make wonderful rock garden and border plants while larger forms provide dramatic accents in the garden. Look at any picture of an English cottage garden and alliums will be present.

With 700 species to choose from, there are enough alliums to suit everyone’s needs and personal color scheme. Here’s look at a few of the popular varieties.