Published: August 23, 2007
Some Brightness for Your Autumn Garden
Late Summer, early Autumn is a time of year when there isn't much of anything going on in most gardens, so permit me to introduce you to one of my favorite "Shade Brighteners", Allium tuberosum. I've been growing this reliable plant for over 20 years now and that period of time encompasses many droughts and several bitter, well below zero, no snow cover Winters. The 12" - 24" tall, erect stems have never failed to yield a bounty of large, round, snow white flower heads that last for weeks. I have it growing in full sun, as well as in full shade and it doesn't seem to have any preferences as far as light or soil type goes.
The "Tiger Swallowtail" Butterfly, Papilio glaucus, enjoys it as a source of nectar, as do many other butterfly species. Allium tuberosum is native to Southeastern Asia where it is used medicinally for urinary incontinence, kidney and bladder weakness and stomach chills. Also, it is used as a poultice for knee injuries. In traditional Chinese medicine, a powder is made from the seeds and is known as Jiu Cai Zi and according to a multitude of sources, has many health benefits. The common name for Allium tuberosum is "Garlic Chives" and I use it as a substitute for Allium schoenoprasum, the species commercially grown for Chives. It's a close relative of Allium cepa, the Onion and Allium sativum, Garlic.
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According to most authorities, Allium tuberosum has a hardiness range of USDA zones 3 - 10 and that means that it will grow in any state in the US. The ever enlarging clumps, like the one pictured in my garden below, can produce over 50 flowering stems in just a few years. Clumps can easily be divided and it's a no brainer to grow from the copious seed crop that you'll be able to harvest when the flowers fade. The flowers are also easy to dry and use in dry flower arrangements.
The Kemper Center at the Missouri Botanic Garden has some great images and further info on Allium tuberosum at http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=U770
For More Information: http://sunfarm.com
judythpiazza@newsblaze.com
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