Plant allium bulbs from September to December. If needed, keep them in their open packets somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated until planting.
Golden garlic, lily leek or golden onion is the nickname for Allium moly (A. luteum), and its wonderful yellow shine is indeed a touch of gold that brings class to any border or bed. It grows in clumps with thick green leaves, and the small umbels cluster on top of stems, adding plenty of brightness to your garden. Planting Allium moly is a sure-fire way to bring the butterflies over for a sip too, so if you want to have a butterfly garden, this plant is indispensable. The flowers of Allium moly have the enduring value of gold as they will stay for much of the summer. The cultivar named 'Jeannine' has bigger umbels.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Choose full sun or partial shade. Improve heavy soil with organic matter and horticultural grit. For containers, use peat-free multipurpose compost with good drainage.
Plant bulbs pointed side upwards, two to three times their own height deep. A slightly flattened side is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.
Space small bulbs around 5cm apart. Larger bulbs need more room, generally around twice their own width apart, so their foliage and flowers can develop freely.
Water after planting if the soil is dry, then only when needed. After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally. Decorative seedheads can remain in place.
- Botanical name
- Allium moly
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Bulb size
- 5/+
- Established height
- 20-30cm
- Established spread
- 10-20cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant spacing
- 100 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Clay
Stony
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Borders
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Coastal gardens
Rockery
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
- Full sun
- Toxicity
- Skin/eyes irritant
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Allium moly reviews
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Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.