Allium schubertii Magic

Allium 'Magic' is an ornamental onion resulting from the hybridisation of Allium atropurpureum and A. schubertii. This variety forms large umbels in the shape of a bowl in late spring, visible from afar. They are filled with small star-shaped flowers in shades of pink and purple. Plant its bulbs in a very sunny bed alongside camassias, valerians, thistles, and grasses. Its flowers are also perfect in dried or fresh bouquets.

Allium 'Magic' is a horticultural creation by Émile Hopman (Netherlands) dating back to 2013. Like all ornamental onions, this bulb is now classified in the amaryllidaceae family. It is edible in all its parts, from the bulb to the flowers that can be used to decorate and flavour summer salads. It is a beautiful horticultural hybrid that combines the qualities of its two parents: the structure of its inflorescence resembles that of the schubertii species, but denser, and its small flowers are almost as dark as those of the Purple Garlic.

Allium 'Magic' will reach a height of between 80 cm and 1 m when in bloom. This variety will spread on the ground through bulb multiplication. Flowering takes place in May-June, in the form of floral heads measuring 16 cm in diameter. Each umbel is composed of a multitude of small star-shaped flowers with 6 petals, carried by pedicels of decreasing size, so that the inflorescence takes on a flattened ball shape. After pollination by insects, decorative seed capsules form and remain for a long time. The foliage consists of long green basal leaves, linear and sessile with entire margins and parallel veins. They measure about fifty centimetres long and 7 cm wide. These leaves disappear at the latest in November, often as early as August in hot and dry climates. The plant then survives the winter in the form of a bulb.

Allium 'Magic' can be used in a naturalistic or contemporary bed, especially in a dry garden. It will express its full potential when planted in large groups of at least 10 to 15 bulbs. Its design matches particularly well with the spikes of camassias. Plant it also among white, mauve, pink, or red valerians, grasses like Stipa, and shrubby artemisias. To enhance its design, place this allium at the back of a row of ball-shaped boxwoods or germander with well-trimmed foliage. The decorative effect of this plant is guaranteed! It can also be planted in beautiful containers that will be attractive from spring to autumn. It is also used in bouquets, and to attenuate the onion scent of the flowers, you can, for example, add a drop of bleach to the vase water or change it very regularly.

Allium 'Magic' harmoniously pairs with roses and chamomile in flower beds, or carrots and beets in the vegetable garden. It can repel aphids and other harmful insects. However, it seems to inhibit the growth of legumes. This plant is a poor companion for alfalfa and sainfoin, for example. Allium atropurpureum, like its relatives, is a medicinal plant.