Allium 'Metallic Shine' Allium 'Metallic Shine'

Water

Ornamental onions should be watered thoroughly once a week if there hasn't been significant rainfall. During the active growth phase in spring and early summer, ensure the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. Typically, this equates to about 1 inch of water weekly, which is roughly 0.6 gallons for an average-sized garden bed. During hotter and dryer periods, you may need to water twice a week, while in cooler or rainy weather, watering can be reduced. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering, and only add water if it feels dry to the touch.

Light

Ornamental onions thrive best in full sun conditions, which means they should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for these plants is an area that is exposed to the morning sun, which is less intense, and then continues to receive sunlight throughout the day. They can tolerate partial shade, but the blooms may not be as vigorous or as plentiful compared to plants grown in full sun.

Temperature

Ornamental onions prefer a temperature range between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for vigorous growth and flowering. They can survive lower temperatures down to at least 20 degrees Fahrenheit but will go dormant in freezing conditions. During the summer, they can tolerate higher temperatures as long as they are not prolonged and are combined with adequate watering.

Pruning

Pruning ornamental onions is usually done to remove spent flower heads and to maintain plant appearance. It is best to prune them after the blooms have faded and begun to dry, which typically occurs in late summer to early fall. Deadheading, or removing the spent blooms, can sometimes stimulate a second bloom and also prevents self-seeding, if desired.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The ornamental onion 'Metallic Shine' thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with compost. Use a blend of equal parts garden soil, compost, and sharp sand to ensure proper drainage and fertility. The pH level should be between 6.0 to 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral. Regularly check the soil moisture to maintain moderate soil conditions without over-watering.

Repotting

Ornamental onions like 'Metallic Shine' typically need repotting every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and address any potential overcrowding. Repot in the spring before the growing season begins and use the opportunity to divide clumps if necessary to propagate new plants.

Humidity & Misting

Ornamental onions such as 'Metallic Shine' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels, but prefer average room humidity. They do not require high humidity environments; maintaining a standard indoor humidity is sufficient for their growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Choose a sunny spot and plant in well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

The Allium 'Metallic Shine', commonly known as Ornamental Onion, begins its life cycle when a bulb is planted in well-draining soil during the fall. In spring, shoots emerge from the bulb, developing into sturdy stems and foliage. By late spring to early summer, spherical clusters of star-shaped, metallic purple flowers bloom, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed by wind or wildlife, potentially giving rise to new plants. In summer's end, above-ground foliage dies back, and the bulb enters a dormant phase, conserving energy for the next growing season. Each year, the cycle repeats with the bulb producing new shoots, leading to a perennial life cycle, with the plant gradually multiplying by producing offsets or bulblets around the main bulb.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The Allium 'Metallic Shine', commonly known as ornamental onion, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method. This should be done in the fall after the foliage has died back or in early spring before new growth begins. To propagate through division, carefully dig up the clump of bulbs, and gently separate them by hand, making sure that each division has at least one or two bulbs attached. Replant the bulbs immediately at the same depth they were initially growing, which is generally about three times the height of the bulb, with the pointed ends facing upwards. For the bulbs, this would be about 5 to 8 inches (roughly 12.7 to 20.3 centimeters) deep, spaced about 6 to 8 inches (15.2 to 20.3 centimeters) apart to ensure adequate room for growth. This method allows for a rapid increase in plant stock and helps maintain the health of the ornamental onions by reducing overcrowding.