Allium Siculum - ORG

Most ornamental onions grow upright. The Allium Siculum hangs down. Dozens of little bells cascade from a stem that can sometimes reach a metre in height — a mix of reddish-brown, pink and cream, in a way you won’t find in any other bulb. And then the colour transition begins: as the flower ages, the reddish-brown hue fades to cream with a hint of green. Every stage is different. Every stage is beautiful.

Siculum, Nectaroscordum, Bulgarian ornamental onion

The naming of this plant is a small world in itself. For many years it was known as Nectaroscordum siculum and is also referred to as the Bulgarian ornamental onion or Tuscan ornamental onion — depending on the origin of the specific variety. Nowadays, it officially belongs to the genus Allium. Whatever its name, the plant itself is unmistakable. Hanging bell-shaped flowers, reddish-brown with cream, on tall, elegant stems. There is nothing quite like it.

For the bees and for the eye

The hanging bell shape is not only decorative — it is also particularly practical for insects with long tongues, such as bumblebees. They can reach deep into the bell for the nectar. Butterflies and hoverflies follow suit. Plant a group of five or more for the best effect, in a sunny spot with good drainage. After flowering, the seed heads remain on the plant — upright, decorative and just as interesting as the flowers themselves.

Planting and care

Plant the bulbs in autumn at a depth of around 10–12 cm and 15–20 cm apart, in a sunny to lightly shaded spot with well-drained soil. Siculum is hardy and can be left in the ground — it returns every year and becomes fuller with age. After flowering, leave the seed heads in place until they turn brown; you can then dry them for use in a dried flower arrangement. Organically grown, certified NL-BIO-01.