Portuguese Allium

(Allium lusitanicum)

Portuguese Allium (Allium lusitanicum)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Allium lusitanicum image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Allium lusitanicum, commonly known as the Portuguese Allium, is a bulb-forming perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including meadows, rocky slopes, and scrublands across mountainous regions of Europe, from Portugal to Ukraine. It typically grows to a modest height of up to 8 inches (20 cm) and produces thread-like leaves that are often shorter than the flowering stalks. The plant is adorned with attractive rose-violet flowers, which are arranged in umbels, blooming in the summer months and adding a splash of color to the garden landscape.

Portuguese Allium is valued for its ornamental flowers and is frequently used in rock gardens, borders, and as a part of naturalistic plantings. It is also suitable for xeriscaping due to its low water requirements. In cultivation, it prefers well-drained soils and thrives in full sun exposure. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to onion fly and thrips. Gardeners appreciate this species for its ability to naturalize and its resistance to deer and rabbits.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb, Bulb
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 0.3-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to meadows, rocky slopes, and scrublands across mountainous regions of Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Summer Beauty Allium, Portuguese Onion

Scientific Names: , Allium lusitanicum, Allium acutangulum, Allium acutangulum, Allium acutangulum subsp. petraeum, Allium acutangulum var. montanum, Allium acutangulum var. petraeum, Allium ancipiticaule, Allium angulosum, Allium angulosum var. montanum

GBIF Accepted Name: