Allium sphaerocephalon
round-headed leek or round-headed garlic
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun
- Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: July to August
- Hardiness: fully hardy
A gorgeous allium with small, egg-shaped flowerheads, that top tall, slender stems in mid- to late summer. Planted en-masse in a border, these diminutive claret-coloured flowers look great emerging from a screen of foliage, or against a backdrop of ornamental grasses. The foliage tends to die back before the flowers emerge, then the flowers gently fade as summer comes to a close. - Garden care: Avoid excessive moisture from late summer when dormant.