"Study Time with Flowers: Adorable Arrangement Ideas for the Round-Looking 'Allium'"
2020.09.20 published
Did you know? Allium = the genus of onions!
Have you ever heard of the flower "Allium"?
Allium is derived from the Latin word "Allium," which refers to the genus of onions in Japanese. The varieties within the genus are collectively called "Allium." It's the name of a category, not just a flower variety!
Varieties like onions, scallions, garlic, and shallots are all part of the Allium category, with about 800 species belonging to it.
A characteristic of Allium is that many species produce round ball-like flowers.
They bloom in colors such as purple, white, pink, and yellow, creating fluffy, rounded flowers like dandelion fluff. Since round flowers are quite rare, they can serve as a lovely accent in floral arrangements!
The height ranges from 10 to 150 cm, and the diameter varies from 10 to 30 cm depending on the species.
Be cautious of the smell of Alliums!
The Latin word "allium" means garlic, and a point to note is that there is a general "onion smell" to them.
The strength of the smell varies depending on the species of Allium, so it might be better to avoid using too many in guests' tables.
Using smaller Alliums as focal points in bouquets seems just right!
What are some representative species of Allium?
Here are some representative varieties from the approximately 800 species of Allium.
<①> Giant onion (Giantum, Giant Allium, Giga Allium)
The most common variety in Allium is "Giantum." In flower shops, what is labeled as "Allium" is usually this Giantum.
Giantum is a large species that can grow up to about 150 cm tall, characterized by its straight and upright stem. The flowers can exceed 20 cm in diameter, giving one single flower a strong presence!
<②> Dancho (Red crown)
The "Dancho" looks like an upside-down strawberry. It has a height of about 60 cm, which is roughly half that of Giantum, with its slender and twisted stem being a key feature!
A friend sensitive to smells mentioned that "Dancho didn't smell that strong," so it might be a suitable choice for incorporating into guest tables.
<③> Allium Cowanii
The "Allium Cowanii," which blooms with pure white flowers, is smaller at about 30 cm tall. Each flower has a relatively large size, giving it a charming vibe.
<④> Allium Blue Perfume
The "Allium Blue Perfume" produces beautiful blue flowers reminiscent of hydrangeas. Such a cute name too!
<⑤> Allium Summer Drummer
The "Allium Summer Drummer" features flowers resembling small buds. As the name suggests, it has a powerful appearance.
How to incorporate Alliums?
Next, let's introduce how to incorporate Alliums into floral arrangements and bouquets, as well as combinations with other flowers!
Since Alliums are large and striking even on their own, wrapping them in this way for a small gift could be a nice idea.
A small bouquet centered around Alliums.
A bouquet with one large Allium and small flowers gathered around it.
A lovely bouquet with roses as the central focus, incorporating Alliums at the edges.
Alliums combined with tulips, roses, lace flowers, carnations, and chocolate cosmos.
Alliums paired with hydrangeas, calla lilies, and carnations.
A vibrant combination of pink and lavender flowers.
Remember the round flowers "Allium"!
They are sold in flower shops under the name "Allium," but in fact, Allium is not just the name of a single flower but a category name meaning "the genus of onions."
(In flower shops, what is labeled as Allium is often the most common variety, "Giantum.")
Since beautiful round flowers are quite rare, try incorporating them as an accent in bouquets or table decorations (keeping in mind that they might have a smell, so use them sparingly)!
➡ Here is the full list of floral materials!