Spider Allium Allium 'Spider'
ABOUT
The Allium 'Spider' is a unique and striking plant, easily recognizable by its distinctive bloom shape which resembles a firework or a starburst display. The flowers of this allium variety are typically a deep purple or magenta shade, forming a spherical cluster of small, star-shaped blossoms that appear to explode outward from a central point. These vibrant clusters sit atop sturdy stems, surrounded by lush, green foliage. The plant's leaves are usually strap-shaped and form a neat clump, providing a contrasting backdrop to the dramatic floral display above. The Allium 'Spider' has a characteristic onion-like fragrance as it's part of the same family that includes onions, garlic, and chives. When in full bloom, this plant is a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding not only visual interest to gardens but also supporting local ecosystems.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Spider Allium, Wild Onion
Common names
Allium 'Spider'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Allium 'Spider', commonly known as the ornamental onion, generally has a low level of toxicity to humans. Allium species contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms from ingesting significant amounts of this plant may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, accidental ingestions typically result in minimal symptoms. Handling the plant may cause skin irritation for sensitive individuals.
To pets
Ornamental onion is toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. Allium species contain compounds like thiosulfates which can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to hemolysis and resulting in a condition called Heinz body anemia. Symptoms of toxicity in pets after ingesting ornamental onion may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, elevated heart and respiratory rates, weakness, and pale gums due to anemia. If a cat or dog ingests a significant amount of Allium 'Spider', urgent veterinary care is recommended.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The unique spider-like flowers add a striking visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant exhibits good resistance to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pollinator Friendliness: The flowers of the Ornamental Onion attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Easy Care: It is known for being low maintenance, requiring minimal care once it is established in suitable conditions.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: The scent and taste tend to repel deer and rodents, mitigating the risk of garden damage by these animals.
- Seasonal Interest: With its late spring to early summer bloom time, it provides interest during a period when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Long-Lasting Blooms: The flowers have a lengthy blooming period and can add color to a garden for several weeks.
- Cut Flower: The blooms make excellent cut flowers for arrangements, bringing the beauty of the garden indoors.
- Companion Planting: It works well when planted among other perennials, as its vertical element can contrast nicely with mounding plants.
- Cold Hardy: It is tolerant of cold temperatures, making it suitable for growth in a variety of climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Alliums can be used in floral arrangements to add a touch of unique structure and height to both fresh and dried bouquets.
- The strong scent of Allium flowers may deter rodents and deer from gardens, making them a natural pest repellent for more vulnerable plants.
- Allium 'Spider,' when planted in a vegetable garden, can help mask the scent of vegetables from pests, aiding in pest management.
- The ornamental appeal of Allium 'Spider' makes it an excellent choice for borders or edges in landscape design due to its distinctive spherical blooms.
- Dried Allium flower heads can be spray-painted and used in craft projects or as year-round decorations.
- Allium seed heads can be used to create interesting textures in mixed-media art projects or even for creating natural stamps.
- Pet owners sometimes use Alliums as a warning plant due to their toxicity to dogs and cats, thus discouraging their pets from entering certain areas of the garden.
- The tall and sturdy stems of Allium 'Spider' can be utilized as natural supports for more delicate or trailing plants in the garden.
- During windy seasons, the rustling sound made by Allium leaves can add an auditory element to the sensory garden experience.
- When planted in a pattern or maze, Allium 'Spider' can create a visually stimulating and interactive garden feature.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Allium 'Spider' is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Allium 'Spider' is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unity and Patience: The Allium 'Spider' plant can symbolize the sense of unity, as its many small flowers form a single, impressive bloom. This mirrors how individual components can come together to create a greater whole.
- Humility and Perseverance: Despite its showy appearance, alliums historically represent humility in different cultural traditions due to their simple shape and the fact that they grow from bulbs that start underground. The 'Spider' variety, with its long-lasting blooms, can also signify perseverance and the ability to thrive over time.
- Strength and Courage: Alliums are known for their upright stems and resilient nature, suggesting attributes such as strength and courage. The 'Spider' with its standout appearance can easily be a symbol of standing strong amid adversity.
- Good Fortune and Prosperity: In some traditions, alliums are thought to bring good luck and are associated with wealth and prosperity. The Allium 'Spider', with its expansive and impressive flower head, could serve as a symbol of abundance.
- Protection and Healing: Historically, alliums have been used for their medicinal properties. Thus, they can represent healing and protection from illness. The 'Spider' variant, by association, might carry this symbolism as well.
WaterOrnamental Onions, the most common name for Allium 'Spider', should be watered deeply but infrequently. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. This typically translates to about 0.5 gallons for a small garden area. During the growing season, ensure that the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering as the foliage begins to die back after flowering and during dormancy to prevent bulb rot.
LightOrnamental Onions prefer full sunlight to thrive, requiring at least 6 hours of direct light daily. The best spot for them is in an open area where they will receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day. Avoiding shaded areas will ensure the healthiest growth and best flower production.
TemperatureOrnamental Onions do well in a wide range of temperatures but thrive between 55°F and 75°F. They can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 90°F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range may harm the plant. Ensuring proper mulching can help to regulate soil temperature and protect the bulbs in extreme conditions.
PruningPruning Ornamental Onions is not typically necessary for the health of the plant but may be conducted after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance. Deadhead spent blooms to prevent self-seeding if desired. The best time to cut back foliage is after it has yellowed and withered, usually in late summer or fall. This allows the plant to redirect energy back into the bulbs for next year's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Allium 'Spider', commonly known as Spider Allium, should be well-draining and fertile, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A combination of loamy garden soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite can create an ideal growing environment.
RepottingSpider Allium plants, being perennials, do not need frequent repotting. They can be repotted or divided every 3 to 4 years to refresh the soil and provide more growing space if they become crowded.
Humidity & MistingSpider Alliums are not particularly humidity-sensitive and can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels. Average ambient humidity is generally sufficient for these plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, and well-draining soil for indoor Spider Alliums.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny spot with rich, well-draining soil outdoors.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Allium 'Spider', commonly known as Spider Allium, starts its life as a bulb planted in late summer or early autumn. During the first stage, roots develop from the bulb base as it lies dormant through the winter. In spring, the shoot emerges from the bulb, producing strap-like foliage and a tall stalk that will carry the distinctive spidery flower head. Once the temperatures rise, the spherical bloom with long, spindly flowers appears, usually in late spring to early summer. After flowering, the plant sets seed, and as the seeds mature, the foliage begins to die back and the entire plant enters a period of dormancy. The cycle restarts when the dormant bulb awakens the following spring to produce fresh growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Allium 'Spider', commonly known as Spider Allium, is most effectively propagated through division, typically carried out in the fall after the foliage has died back or in the early spring before new growth begins. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of bulbs and gently pull them apart, ensuring that each new section has at least one bulb with roots attached. These individual bulbs can then be replanted at a depth three times their diameter, spaced about 6 to 8 inches (approximately 15 to 20 centimeters) apart to give them enough space to grow. This method allows the plant to maintain its vigor and produces flowering plants more quickly than seed propagation.
