El allium roseaum It is a perennial plant of the Amaryllidaceae family, this being a small species of dry meadows, rocky gardens and cultivated places. It is native to the Mediterranean regions.
Its flowering occurs from late spring to early summer. It is for ornamental use, highly appreciated although rare, in some countries such as France it is protected by the authorities of that nation. They adapt very easily to a wide variety of soilsIn addition, they add a lot of personality and beauty to the gardens.
Origin and habitat
It is a species native to the Mediterranean and other nearby regions, it can be seen along the coasts of Portugal to Morocco to North Africa, in the Eurasian zone of Turkey to the Palestinian region. Due to its beauty and uses, it was adopted and cultivated in areas other than those already mentioned. It can be found in non-seeded and sterile areas and on slopes up to 700 meters above sea level..
Allium roseaum characteristics
El allium roseaum it is a perennial plant that has an ovoid bulb, surrounded by numerous yellowish and grayish bulblets in a resistant envelope. Its inflorescence in umbel is approximately 7 centimeters wide and is surrounded by a persistent series.
The fruit is capsule-shaped and contains black seeds. The species is hermaphroditic and is pollinated by bees and other insects. Its flowers are flared and can be found in a variety of shades and stand out on its elongated and narrow greenish leaves. Its flowers are long lasting.
Farming
Suitable for light and medium soils, prefers well-drained soils. With respect to the suitable PH for its plantation it is very varied; they can be acidic, neutral and alkaline soils. It should be taken into consideration that this plant does not grow in the shade, since it is an easy species to grow in warm and sunny areas.
However, it tolerates low temperatures of up to 10ºC. Regarding irrigation, it requires moderate watering during its growth stage, fertilization should be done occasionally and applying liquid fertilizers supplied with irrigation.
It is recommended to plant the bulb very deep and it develops very well together with other plants, especially with rosaceae, umbelliferous and asteraceae, on the contrary legumes affect its growth and amazing in beds, borders, rock gardens, home gardens or in containers. For a better visual effect, it can be planted in groups of at least 20 bulbs.
Propagation
Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they are preferably cut during the cold spring. If you want to obtain a production quickly, you can place up to three plants for each pot. In a greenhouse, it must be grown in the first winter season.
In spring and when the plant is strong and large enough, it is placed in its permanent position. It has the virtue that it spreads and increases its beauty year after year, providing more stems and beautiful flowers. The allium roseaum it can be divided at any time during its growing season and its divisions can be sown directly into position without any problem.
Uses
Whether raw or cooked, it is an ideal substitute for it. In culinary art it is used to flavor salads and cooked foods. Its leaves, also raw or cooked, are an excellent complement to salads And like the bulb, it is a good food flavoring. Likewise, its flowers have an attractive mild garlic flavor.
Regarding its possible toxicity and although there is no news about this plant, there are known cases of poisoning in mammals caused by the ingestion of large quantities. Dogs are believed to be quite susceptible to this plant. Its smell is strong for some animals such as squirrels, which choose to withdraw from the gardens where it is cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Management
Like most species that have bulbs, humid environments make the allium roseaum is more prone to rotting caused by various types of fungi. Plants are fundamentally sensitive right after cultivation. It is also susceptible to so-called white rot, mold, and fungal spot.