Hairy Garlic
allium subhirsutum
Also known as: ["Hairy-leaved Garlic","Wild Garlic"]
Overview
A perennial bulbous plant with slender, grass-like leaves and spherical umbels of star-shaped, pale lavender flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Allium |
| Botanical Name: | Allium subhirsutum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or containers in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed after flowering; remove dead foliage in late fall or early winter.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on tidying up rather than shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to full sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Plant in a south-facing location for maximum sun exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; rotate pots regularly for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially during dormancy.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid compacted soil; amend with grit if drainage is poor.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); thrives in spring and fall; tolerates mild frosts but may struggle in extreme heat.
Avoid placing in drafty areas; protect from extreme temperature fluctuations; adjust watering based on temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid high-nitrogen formulas to prevent excessive foliage growth; stop fertilizing as blooms fade.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs;Offsets can be separated and replanted in late summer or early fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up mature bulbs carefully.
- Separate small offsets from the parent bulb.
- Replant offsets at the same depth as the parent bulb.
- Water lightly after planting.
Best Time: Late summer or early fall, after foliage has died back but before winter dormancy begins.
Environment
Plant in a location with full sun and good air circulation; ensure soil is well-drained to prevent rot.
Medium
Well-draining bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite or sand.
Hormone
Not required for bulb division.
Timeline
Bulbs can be planted immediately and will establish within the growing season; flowering may take 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, gloves, small trowel.
Quick Tips
Replant offsets immediately to prevent drying; ensure each offset has some roots attached; space new bulbs 3–5 inches apart.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base after blooming; cut foliage back only after it has completely yellowed and died.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; remove spent flower stalks to encourage bulb development; trim yellowing foliage after it dies back naturally.
Tools
Hand pruners, scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers promptly; wait for foliage to die back before cutting; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after foliage has died back.
Pot Size
Use a pot that is 2–3 inches larger in diameter than the current one for container-grown bulbs.
Method
Carefully lift bulbs; remove old or damaged bulbs; replant in fresh, well-draining soil at the same depth; water lightly.
Suggestions
Not typically required for outdoor-grown plants; container-grown bulbs may need repotting every 2–3 years if they become overcrowded.
Checklist
Choose a well-draining pot; use fresh bulb mix; handle bulbs gently; water sparingly until new growth appears.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and fall; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in summer and winter when the plant is dormant.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is loose and friable.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing or browning of leaves in excessive heat; stunted growth or failure to bloom in cold stress; wilting or leaf drop in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause foliage damage; bulbs can survive mild frosts but prolonged freezing may harm them.
Solution: Mulch heavily around bulbs in winter; protect with frost cloth during hard freezes; ensure good drainage to prevent bulb rot.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause foliage to scorch, blooms to fade quickly, and premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; water deeply to keep roots cool; apply mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid late-season feeding; rinse tools after use.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during active growth in spring and early summer; avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall to allow bulbs to prepare for dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the organosulfur compounds in Allium subhirsutum, which can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. Even small amounts can be harmful.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Allium subhirsutum can lead to hemolytic anemia due to the release of reactive oxygen species that damage red blood cells. The toxicity is dose-dependent and can be severe, especially with large ingestions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicAllium subhirsutum contains organosulfur compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects upon ingestion. These compounds irritate the mucous membranes of the digestive tract and may lead to more severe symptoms in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Allium subhirsutum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How often should I water Allium subhirsutum?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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