Beau Regard Onion Allium 'Beau Regard'
ABOUT
Allium 'Beau Regard' is a striking ornamental onion known for its distinctive blooms that make a bold statement in any garden. The plant features large, spherical clusters of flowers that resemble an exploding firework frozen in time. These flower clusters present a dense collection of individual star-shaped blossoms, tightly packed together to form a round head. These blossoms traditionally exhibit a rich, purple hue, creating a vibrant contrast against the backdrop of greenery in the garden. The leaves of 'Beau Regard' are typically glossy, with a deep green color, and have a strap-like, elongated appearance. They form a lush base from which the tall flower stems emerge. As the season progresses, these leaves may wilt to allow the full focus on the eye-catching flower heads that stand proudly above the foliage. The stalks of Allium 'Beau Regard' are sturdy and upright, providing strong support for the heavy flower heads. These tall stems keep the round floral clusters elevated and are known to sway gracefully with the breeze, adding a dynamic element to its presence in the garden. Furthermore, these ornamental onions are perennials, meaning they return year after year. They provide a perennial source of visual interest and are often planted en masse for a dramatic effect. With their showy blooms and attractive foliage, Allium 'Beau Regard' is a favorite for creating accents in borders, gardens, and as a feature in cut flower arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Ornamental Onion, Persian Onion, Dutch Garlic
Common names
Allium 'Beau Regard'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question, commonly known as ornamental onion, is not considered toxic to humans. In general, members of the Allium family, which include onions, garlic, and chives, are edible and widely used in cooking. However, it is always advisable to be cautious as some individuals might be sensitive or allergic to these plants, which could cause mild stomach discomfort if ingested in large quantities.
To pets
Ornamental onion is toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. If a pet ingests this plant, they could suffer from symptoms that may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More severe reactions such as increased heart rate, lethargy, and abdominal pain could also occur. In the most serious cases, hemolytic anemia, which is a breakdown of red blood cells, may develop in pets, especially in cats. It is important to keep ornamental onions and other plants from the Allium family out of reach of pets. If ingestion occurs, prompt veterinary attention is necessary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3 feet [91 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Produces attractive, spherical lavender flowers that add aesthetic value to gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it requires little water, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond initial planting and occasional watering.
- Pest Resistance: Naturally resists many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers a prolonged display of flowers, typically from late spring to summer.
- Culinary Use: Though not the main purpose, some Allium species' flowers and leaves may be edible.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Less appealing to deer and rabbits, which helps prevent browsing damage to the garden.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Allium 'Beau Regard', commonly known as ornamental onion, can be used in floral arrangements to add height and an architectural element with its spherical blooms.
- The dried flower heads of ornamental onions can be spray painted and used as decorative elements in crafts or as part of a dried bouquet.
- Ornamental onion bulbs can be gifted as a unique and interesting gardening item for plant enthusiasts looking to diversify their gardens.
- The sturdy stems of Allium 'Beau Regard' can be incorporated into structural garden design, adding long-lasting vertical interest throughout the seasons.
- The flowers can serve as a natural dye, giving fabrics or yarns a soft lavender to pink hue when used in the dyeing process.
- During the blooming season, ornamental onions can be used to create a thematic garden area dedicated to purple and pink hues, providing a visually stunning display.
- Allium 'Beau Regard' can be used to create an insect-friendly garden space, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers.
- The plant can be utilized in garden photography, offering an attractive backdrop or as a unique focal point with its round, eye-catching blooms.
- Seed heads of the ornamental onion can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant biology, life cycles, and seed dispersal.
- Its robust nature allows it to be used in mixed container plantings, offering both foliage and a burst of color that rises above other plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe ornamental onion is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe ornamental onion is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength and Patience: Alliums, generally known as ornamental onions, are celebrated for their robust nature and ability to withstand different environments, symbolizing the qualities of strength and resilience in the face of challenges.
- Unity and Humility: The spherical shape of the allium flower head, consisting of numerous small florets, represents unity in diversity and humility in contribution, as each floret makes up the whole without dominating it.
- Good Fortune and Prosperity: In some cultures, alliums are believed to bring good luck and signify wealth, which can be attributed to their lush, full blooms and long-lasting nature in gardens.
- Protection: Historically, alliums were thought to have protective properties, warding off evil spirits and negative energies, possibly related to their strong, pungent scent that can deter pests in the garden.
WaterOrnamental onion (the most common name for Allium 'Beau Regard') requires moderate watering. In the absence of rain, it should be watered once weekly with about 1 inch of water, which is equivalent to approximately 0.623 gallons per square foot. It's best to water this plant deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Water directly at the base to minimize wetting the foliage, which could lead to fungal diseases. During the growing season, increasing the frequency of watering during dry spells can help ensure proper bulb development. After the plant has flowered and the leaves begin to wither, you can reduce watering as the plant goes dormant.
LightOrnamental onion thrives best in full sun exposure. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. A spot that is sunny from morning to early afternoon is ideal, as this enables the flowers to fully develop their vibrant colors and maintain healthy growth.
TemperatureThe ornamental onion does well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers a temperate climate. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about 0 degrees Fahrenheit but is happiest in the growing season with temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants are cold-hardy, but ensuring proper winter mulch can help protect the bulbs from extreme cold that might dip below their tolerance levels.
PruningPruning ornamental onion involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage better blooms the following year. It is not necessary for plant health but can improve the aesthetic appearance. Prune after blooming by cutting the stalks down to the base. Pruning to remove dead or yellowed foliage should occur in late summer or early fall, once the foliage has died back naturally.
CleaningNot needed
SoilOrnamental onion 'Beau Regard' requires well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. A mix of loamy garden soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite to enhance drainage works best for this plant. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer is beneficial during the growing season.
RepottingOrnamental onions like 'Beau Regard' do not need to be repotted often, as they are usually grown as perennials in the garden. They can be left undisturbed for several years unless they become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingOrnamental onion 'Beau Regard' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require specific humidity levels to thrive. It performs well in the natural outdoor humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-drained soil, and adequate space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space bulbs apart.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Allium 'Beau Regard', commonly known as ornamental onion, initiates from a bulb, which is planted in the ground usually in autumn. In the following spring, the bulb sends out roots, followed by shoots that develop into long, slender leaves. As the plant matures, a sturdy stem emerges, atop which an umbel made up of numerous small, star-shaped flowers in a spherical cluster blooms, usually in late spring or early summer. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which if not collected, may disperse and potentially germinate to produce new plants. Once the flowering and seed-setting phase concludes, the foliage of the Allium 'Beau Regard' dies back, and the plant enters a dormant stage, with the bulb remaining underground. The cycle repeats the next year when temperatures and soil conditions become favorable, although gardeners often replace bulbs after a few years to maintain vigor.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The Allium 'Beau Regard', commonly known as ornamental onion, is generally propagated by dividing the bulbs. This popular method of propagation is usually done in the fall after the leaves have died back, ensuring the bulb has stored enough energy to survive through dormant stages and regrow in the next season. To propagate by division, dig up the clump of bulbs and gently separate them by hand, making sure that each section has a portion of the bulb and some root structure. Replant these divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them approximately 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart to provide adequate room for growth. Water the newly planted bulbs well to help establish them. This method is favored as it maintains the genetic characteristics of the parent plant and usually ensures a good display of flowers in the following season.
