Allium cyathophorum var. farreri

Allium cyathophorum var. farreri is a compact and floriferous ornamental garlic. It is a botanical species native to the high mountains of China. It is undemanding and easy to grow in well-drained, even rocky soil, and is perfectly adapted to a mountain climate. It offers abundant flowering in early summer, in the form of curious umbels resembling rounded and pendant clusters of campanulate pink-purple flowers. It is decorative, accommodating, and worry-free.

Allium cyathophorum var. farreri is a wild mountain plant, native to the grassy slopes that cover the sides of the high massifs of Northwest China, where it grows up to an altitude of 4600m (15092ft). This herbaceous bulbous plant belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family, like cultivated garlic, onion, and leek. It has a fleshy and fibrous storage organ that multiplies by forming bulblets. The inflorescences, perched at 30cm (12in) in height at the end of curved stems, correspond to round and pendant umbels that can measure up to 6cm (3in) in diameter. They are composed of numerous tubular flowers with purple petals. This flowering emerges from a dense herbaceous clump composed of linear and narrow leaves, which are shorter than the flower stalks. Flowering occurs between June and July. The plant self-sows spontaneously in light soil.

Easy to grow in dry or moist but well-drained soil, hardy down to -15°C (5°F), and tolerant of partial shade, Allium cyathophorum var. farreri can be used in borders, rock gardens, or in pots to enjoy its beautiful flowering on a balcony or patio. Enhance your bouquets with its fresh or dried flowers. Plant it in groups of 5 that you can tuck between ornamental grasses, or dry-loving perennials such as hyssops, thymes, arborescent or creeping wormwoods, silver baskets, or even aubrietas.

Vegetable garden tip: plant some ornamental garlic in the middle of strawberries to protect them from fungal diseases. They will add a few pleasant blooms that are sometimes lacking among vegetables.