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perennial

Common Chives

Allium schoenoprasum

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Common Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) at Minor's Garden Center

Common Chives flowers

Common Chives flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Common Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) at Minor's Garden Center

Common Chives in bloom

Common Chives in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Common Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) at Minor's Garden Center

Common Chives

Common Chives

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Plant Height:  12 inches

Flower Height:  18 inches

Spread:  12 inches

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  3a

Other Names:  Flowering Onion

Ornamental Features

Common Chives has masses of beautiful balls of lightly-scented lavender flowers at the ends of the stems from late spring to early summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The green fruits are held in abundance in spectacular clusters . Its grassy leaves remain green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Common Chives is an open herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Invasive
  • Self-Seeding

Common Chives is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • General Garden Use
  • Herb Gardens

Planting & Growing

Common Chives will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity extending to 18 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 12 inches. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.

Sizes available:

3.5" CONT $3.99

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Garden  Herb 
Applications
Flowers  Fruit  Winter Value  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features