Allium nutans 'Esmee'

A particularly good selection of the Siberian Allium nutans, chosen for its broad, rather than twisted, blue-green foliage and handsome lilac-pink flower heads. ‘Esmee’ is one of the more robust selections made from this variable species and produces larger, darker globes than the better-known ‘Caroline’. The flowers are held on upright stems well above the foliage, making a surprisingly elegant display for something that is, after all, an onion. 

Introduction: Selected by P. de Jong in the Netherlands as part of his work with perennial, clump-forming alliums. ‘Esmee’ was subsequently propagated and distributed in Europe as one of his named Allium nutans selections. The selection is distinguished from ‘Caroline’ by its broader green foliage and somewhat larger, darker flowers. 

The species itself is highly variable, with flower colours ranging from white through pink and rose to lilac. ‘Esmee’ represents one of the more ornamental forms, with particularly good flower size and substance. 

Flowering from July into September, it is an excellent late-season allium for the sunny border, where the lilac-pink globes combine particularly well with grasses and other late-summer perennials. Bees and butterflies are frequent visitors. 

The leaves are edible and have the mild onion flavour expected of A. nutans, making ‘Esmee’ both ornamental and useful — a combination we rather approve of at Edulis.

Height: 60–80 cm
Spread: 20–40 cm
Flowers: July–September
Position: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, preferably fertile soil; does best without prolonged winter wet
Hardiness: Fully hardy; reported to Zone 3–4
Propagation: Division or seed, though named plants should be divided to maintain the cultivar

A superb perennial chive for the flower border: broader leaves, bigger heads and rather more presence than the species. The Siberian chive has clearly been taking notes.