Growing Guide
 
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Alpine Rosy Bells

Spring-Flowering Bulb, Summer and Fall-Flowering Bulb

Allium oreophilum
Alliaceae Family
Synonym: Allium ostrowskianum

Alpine Rosy Bells bears loose, open umbels of bell-like rosy reddish-pink blooms. Grows just 8 inches tall, but spreads rapidly to form large, showy clumps.

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Site Characteristics
Sunlight:
  • full sun

Soil conditions:

  • requires well-drained soil
Prefers fertile, very well-drained soil.

Hardiness zones:

  • 4 to 9
Might be marginally hardy in Zone 3.
Plant Traits

Lifecycle: perennial

Ease-of-care: easy

Height: 0.25 to 0.75 feet

Spread: 0.1 to 0.25 feet

Bloom time:

  • late spring
  • early summer

Flower color:

  • red
  • pink

Bell-like blooms are reddish pink.

Foliage color: medium green

Leaves ensheath the lower stem.

Foliage texture: medium

Shape: upright

Shape in flower: flower stalks with sprays of flowers

Loose, open umbels are borne on erect stems.

Special Considerations
Special characteristics:
  • deer resistant
  • aggressive - Spreads rapidly to form clumps.
  • non-invasive
  • not native to North America - Native to Central Asia
Special uses:
  • cut flowers
  • naturalistic garden
Growing Information
How to plant:

Propagate by division or separation - Plant the bulbs 4" deep in fall.

Divide and replant in fall.

Maintenance and care:
Apply mulch in fall for winter protection.

More growing information: How to Grow Bulbs

Pests:
Onion fly
Thrips
Diseases:
White rot
Bulb rot
Mildew
Rust
Smut
Purple blotch
Gray mold
Varieties
'Zwanenberg' has brighter carmine flowers.