Allium sphaerocephalon
Garden Plant Information

Allium sphaerocephalon

 

Name

Allium sphaerocephalon (also called round-headed leek and ornamental garlic)

Genus  

Allium

Species

sphaerocephalon

Cultivar/variety

 

General description

 

Hardy bulbous perennial grown for spherical heads, not unlike a large drumstick, of rich pink-purple flowers which appear in summer. Looks good with many herbaceous perennials and the shorter grasses. Also good for gravel gardens, low maintenance and drought tolerant planting.

 

Noted for attracting wildlife, especially bees.

 

Season of interest

Flowers in summer.

Key horticultural features

  1. Habit - upright. H: up to 90cm S: 8cm.

  2. Stems - slender and straight, mid-green.

  3. Leaves - narrow and strap-like,mid-green.

  4. Flowers -  spherical clusters of tiny flowers which open from the top of the cluster, turning pink-purple as they go.

Cultural details

Aspect

Full sun.

Soil

Moderately fertile, well drained. They do well in sandy soil.

Hardiness

Hardy.

Maintenance

Divide large clumps in spring or autumn.

Propagation

Divide clumps in spring or autumn. May also self-seed.