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Plants that fill a similar niche:
Allium giganteum Plant
Allium moly Flower form
Anemone blanda Flowers
Allium oreophilum has some common insect problems:
Bulb Mites

Pink Lily Leek Allium oreophilum

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Allium ostrowskianum
Phonetic Spelling
AL-ee-um or-ee-oh-FY-lum
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Pink Lily Leek is an ornamental onion native to Eurasia that blooms May-June for 2-3 weeks in a loose umbel of 10-15 rosy-red flowers. It generally reaches 8-12 inches tall. The flat linear leaves stay attractive until mid-summer when they die back. The plant will naturalize and spread slowly to form a colony.

Plant bulbs in the fall 4-5 inches deep and 2-3 inches apart in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soils. Use for mass plantings, in borders, rock gardens or interspersed among perennials.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Bulb rot can occur in too moist soil. Bulb mites can occur.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Allium.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#bulb#poisonous#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#perennial bulbs#pink flowers#red flowers#spring flowers#mass planting#tunicated bulb#groundcover#rock garden#border planting#spring interest#naturalized area#spring flowering bulbs#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#bulb#poisonous#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#perennial bulbs#pink flowers#red flowers#spring flowers#mass planting#tunicated bulb#groundcover#rock garden#border planting#spring interest#naturalized area#spring flowering bulbs#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Allium
    Species:
    oreophilum
    Family:
    Amaryllidaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    E. Turkey to NW. China and NW. Pakistan
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    normally not susceptible to animals, drought
    Edibility:
    Flowers have a mildly bitter flavor and like young leaves and bulbs can be eaten in small quantities raw in salads and sandwiches or cooked in tea and soups. However, the plant also has poisonous characteristics as noted in the "Poisonous to Humans" section of this record. Toxicity can depend on the age of the person or animal, the age of the plant, the part of the plant ingested, how much is ingested, whether the person or animal has sensitivities or allergies, whether it's eaten raw or cooked, and so forth. Consult with a medical professional for further details.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Poisonous
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Erect
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Pink
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Star
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Rosy-red with a darker midvein. Individual flowers are small, 6-parted, and in a cluster at the top of a naked stem.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Flat linear gray-green leaves are semi-erect and longer than the scape with an odor of onions or garlic.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Wiry greenish-red stems
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Container
    Naturalized Area
    Patio
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Attracts:
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
    Weedy
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. Poisonous if ingested. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. (Poison parts: All parts; bulbs, bulblets, flowers, and stems)
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Sulfides
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Bark
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Seeds
    Stems