Blue-flowered garlic (Allium caeruleum)

Blue-flowered garlic

Also known as: Blue of the heavens, Azure flowered garlic, Flowering onion

Blue-flowered garlic is a bulbous perennial native to Central Asia that produces dense, many-flowered globular clusters of small, star-shaped blue flowers. When chopped or bruised, the leaves and bulbs emit an onion odor. The Royal Horticultural Society has given this plant the prestigious Award of Garden Merit. The butterfly-attracting ornamental onion is ignored by deer.

Scientific classification

Species

Blue-flowered garlic (Allium caeruleum)

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Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

80 cm

Plant Height

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Blue

Flower Color

Green, Blue

Stem Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Blue-flowered garlic

Distribution of Blue-flowered garlic

Distribution Map

Blue-flowered garlic is indigenous to temperate regions of Central and Eastern Asia. It has broadened its presence to various areas of Europe as an introduced species. Not only found in the wild, blue-flowered garlic also thrives in cultivation, indicating its adaptability to different environments beyond its native range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Dry slopes, Steppes and plains

Quickly Identify Blue-flowered garlic

Vibrant blue flowers in compact clusters distinguish blue-flowered garlic from other plants.

Slender, leafless stems reaching 20-24 inches (51-61 cm) indicate blue-flowered garlic identity.

Linear leaves up to 12 inches (30 cm) with parallel veins crucial for identification.

Smooth, unbranched stems up to 3 feet (90 cm) with consistent thickness define blue-flowered garlic.

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Care Guide for Blue-flowered garlic

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Blue-flowered garlic prefers moderate moisture and requires weekly watering to keep the soil moist but well-drained. It can briefly tolerate droughts, and proper hydration enhances its vibrant blue blooms during the growing season, making it a valuable ornamental outdoor plant.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, blue-flowered garlic requires balanced nutrition with high-phosphorus fertilizers, applied bi-monthly during the growing season at half-strength. Young plants need more frequent feeding. Avoid root burn by fertilizing when the soil is moist and reduce feeding in winter to prevent nutrient overload.

Pruning: Blue-flowered garlic flourishes with minimal pruning, ideally done from early to late spring. Remove dead foliage and spent flower stems to promote healthy growth and enhance appearance while redirecting energy to bulbs for robust flowering in the next season.

Propagation: Blue-flowered garlic is a bulbous perennial featuring striking azure blooms. To propagate, divide the bulbs after dormancy, separating bulblets and replanting at the same depth with sufficient space. This ensures healthy growth and promotes clusters of star-shaped flowers characteristic of blue-flowered garlic.

Repotting: Blue-flowered garlic prefers excellent drainage in pots to thrive. Proper drainage is essential to prevent root rot and ensure healthy growth.

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