Allium flavum aka Fragrant Yellow Allium

Allium flavum is a bulbous perennial in the amaryllis family. Common names include small yellow onion and yellow-flowered garlic. It grows upright and forms clumps, losing its leaves each year. RHS places its home range from central Europe to western Asia. Plants For A Future lists a wider range across Europe. Its list also includes the Caucasus, Turkey, Morocco and Algeria. The plant grows on dry slopes in the wild.

Garden plants reach about 1.3 feet [0.4 metres] in height. RHS gives an upper size of 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Spread reaches about 0.3 feet [0.1 metres]. The narrow, grey-green leaves may be cylindrical or strap-shaped. They wither early, so foliage does not last all season. Small yellow flowers hang in loose clusters called umbels. Each flower has a bell shape and stamens that stand out. RHS places flowering in early summer. Plants For A Future also lists mid- and late-summer bloom.

Grow this onion in full sun with shelter. It needs fertile soil that drains well. RHS lists chalk, loam and sand as suitable soils. It accepts acid, neutral and alkaline conditions. Soil may stay moist, but it must not remain waterlogged. Use containers where heavy clay holds water through winter. RHS rates the plant H5 for UK hardiness. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 5–7. Plants reach their full size within two to five years.

This small bulb suits rock gardens, gravel beds and borders. RHS also lists cottage gardens, wildlife gardens and patio containers. It needs no pruning beyond clearing old stems and leaves. Sow seeds when ripe or in spring. You can also detach offsets after flowering ends. Lift the bulb with care to separate them. Allium leaf miner and onion fly may attack plants. Onion white rot and onion downy mildew may also occur.

Plants For A Future lists bulbs, leaves and flowers as edible. Bulbs and leaves may be eaten raw or cooked. The flowers may be eaten raw. The bulbs are small, which limits their use as food. The source reports no poisoning cases specific to this species. It warns that some related plants can poison mammals in quantity. Dogs appear sensitive, so this is not proof of pet safety. The source also reports uses for the juice against moths. It describes claims that the plant deters insects and moles.