Care of the bulbous plant Allium triquetrum or Three-cornered leek |
|
The genus Allium, family Amaryllidaceae, comprises more than 1,000 species of bulbous plants distributed throughout the planet, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. Some species are: Allium triquetrum, Allium neapolitanum, Allium sativum (Garlic), Allium crispum, Allium cepa (Onion), Allium senescens, Allium schoenoprasum (Chives), Allium cernuum, Allium nigrum. Common names: Snowbell, Onion weed, Three-cornered leek. This species is native to south-western Europe, north-western Africa, Madeira and the Canary Islands. They are small bulbous plants with stems of triangular section that give off the smell of garlic. The leaves are deep green, flat and ribbed. They produce small but interesting white bell shaped and hanging flowers. They bloom from mid-winter to early spring. They can be used on edges, to cover slopes, in alpine gardens, in shady rockeries or in undergrowth. It is also possible to grow them in pots and planters. Allium triquetrum prefer shade or semi-shade exposures (in full sun if the summer is not very hot) and in cool-temperate climates. Frost resistant to -12 ºC (10.4 ºF). They can grow in any type of soil that retains moisture (with organic matter) but that drains well. The sowing of the bulbs is done in the fall at a depth twice their size; 30-40 specimens can be planted per m2 (10.7 ft2). The watering will be frequent so that the soil is always a little damp but without watering; resist a few days of drought. Do not water when the leaves are dry. They do not need fertilization. No pruning, but dry leaves can be removed in winter. It tends to expand so you have to monitor its growth. They do not usually present serious pest and disease problems. It propagates by dividing bulbs or from seeds. |
Images of the bulbous plant Allium triquetrum or Three-cornered leek |
 Allium triquetrum  Allium triquetrum  Allium triquetrum |