Allium giganteum

Allium giganteum is a giant in the family of ornamental garlics, and it is one of the last to bloom in late spring. This bulbous plant produces spectacular inflorescences in massive and dense balls of light purple to mauve-lilac colour. They catch the eye under the June sun, dominating perennial borders and punctuating rock gardens with their astonishing spheres. The aromatic grey-green foliage dries after flowering, when the plant enters its rest period. Its flowers are stunning in fresh or dried bouquets. Plant it in full sun, in any rather moist but well-drained soil.

Allium giganteum, the giant garlic, is a bulbous and perennial plant of the Amaryllidaceae family. This botanical species, the largest in the Allium genus, is native to Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, up to the former Soviet Union. In nature, it thrives in sunny locations and in well-drained, light, sandy or loamy, slightly acidic to calcareous soils. It is theoretically very hardy in zone 8 (-12°C (10.4°F) at its lowest), or even more, but it does not tolerate both wet and frozen soils. Its bulb in the rest period also does not appreciate excess water in heavy and clayey soil.

The giant garlic develops a basal rosette in spring, composed of grey-green, linear leaves, 35cm (14in) long and 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) wide, which disappear in summer. From May to July (depending on the regions), solid stems emerge from the leaves, carrying the inflorescences 1.5m (5ft) above the ground. These are perfectly spherical umbels of about 15cm (6in) in diameter, composed of a multitude of small star-shaped flowers with prominent stamens. Their colour varies from pale-lilac to bright purple when fully open and they are extremely popular with bees. The foliage dries and disappears shortly after, allowing the bulb to replenish its reserves to prepare for flowering the following spring. All parts of the plant release a characteristic garlic scent when crushed. Its bulb measures between 4 and 6cm (2in) in diameter.

Allium giganteum is the last to flower in the range of ornamental garlic. It is easy to grow as long as the soil is permeable enough to quickly drain any excess water. It can be used in borders or along paths, and it can also be grown in pots to enjoy its beautiful flowering on a balcony or patio. Enhance your floral bouquets with its leaves or flowers, or dry them for a unique touch. Plant A. giganteum in groups of 3 or 5 that you can tuck in between perennials or combine with clipped boxwood balls for a spectacular sculptural effect. Its stunning inflorescences will stand out against a backdrop of shrubs with grey foliage, such as artemisia.

Companion plants: Allium giganteum fears root competition, but gets along well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beets, and chamomile. However, it inhibits the growth of legumes such as alfalfa, lupins, or other perennial or annual peas. Some say that the entire plant repels insects, as well as moles.