What’s in Bloom

Flowering Onions (Allium ‘Globemaster’ and ‘White Giant’)

Close relatives of culinary onions, garlics, and leeks, Flowering Onions are a late spring to early summer flowering bulb. Their blooms generally emerge and start to display some color just as the latest daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths begin to fade. There are currently four varieties of Allium flowering on the Greenway, with two more to emerge over the next few weeks. Most noticeable are ‘Globemaster’ and ‘White Giant’, reaching between 2-3’ in height and flowering purple and white, respectively. Additionally, the low-growing Three-cornered Leek (Allium triquetrum) has been flowering for the past 3-4 weeks, and the Star of Persia (Allium christophii), a 2’ species with a “thinner” or “less congested” looking flower head is beginning to enter its peak as well. Flowering Onions can currently be seen blooming in the Fort Point Channel Parks.

Flowering Onions

Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)

Native to Northeastern North America, the Blue Flag Iris is a late-spring flowering perennial. Particularly enjoying moist or wet soil, it often found thriving in the wild at the edge of a pond or in shallow water. It is becoming threatened in these areas however, largely being displaced by the invasive Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudocorus). Blue Flag Iris can currently be seen flowering in the Wharf District Parks.

Blue Flag Iris

Chinese Peonies (Paeonia lactiflora)

Native to China and Southern Europe, the Peony is one of the most popular late-spring flowering perennials, and is additionally thought to be one of the earliest flowers cultivated for ornamental use. It is a particularly important symbol in China. Due to both its popularity and historical cultivation, Peonies are available in a wide range of  colors from white to yellow to pink to red, also varying in their flower structure significantly from cultivar to cultivar. Peonies are currently at their peak in Chinatown Park, the Fort Point Channel Parks, and the North End Parks, but are sure to fade soon as spring temperatures rise and summer approaches.

Chinese Peonies