Allium Gladiator

Allium 'Gladiator' is an ornamental garlic that is both elegant and spectacular, with umbels of aerial flowers easily spotted from afar. They emerge in summer from shrub and large perennial beds, punctuating them with perfect spheres, neither truly purple nor truly pink, but a bright lilac-purple. Taller than the famous A. 'Globemaster', but with smaller flowers, this particularly reliable variety has been awarded by the renowned Royal Horticultural Society. It will faithfully flower year after year in summer, in well-drained soil and full sun. Beautiful in flower pots, its flowers are also perfect in dried or fresh bouquets. 

A magnificent horticultural achievement, 'Gladiator' is the result of a cross-breeding between Allium aflatunense and A. macleanii. It is a robust and hardy variety in well-drained soil. It is a perennial bulbous plant belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. This ornamental garlic develops its foliage in spring. It consists of several broad, recurved, glaucous green leaves with violet and slightly metallic reflections. Each leaf can reach 10cm (4in) wide. The foliage dries up and disappears as the flowering begins in June-July, depending on the region. A tall green stem, reaching up to 1.5m (5ft), emerges from the ground. A large floral bud covered with a green membrane develops at its tip. At full bloom, this globular umbel inflorescence can measure 15cm (6in) in diameter. It is composed of numerous tiny star-shaped flowers with 6 petals in a lilac-violet colour. This flowering attracts numerous pollinating insects, and the flower heads, devoid of fragrance, remain decorative in the beds once pollinated. The bulb replenishes its reserves after flowering and produces numerous bulbils, allowing it to multiply rapidly. 

Isolated, 'Gladiator' is not particularly interesting, but when planted in large beds with perennials in shades of pink and blue, it becomes truly remarkable. Perfect in a contemporary setting with boxwood balls, for example, it is irreplaceable in a romantic mixed border. Place it in a carpet of Nepeta 'Six Hill Giant' and Stachys byzantina, not far from herbaceous peonies with large flowers, such as 'Break a Day' or 'Bowl of Beauty'. Set it against a backdrop of lush pink-flowering roses: 'Eglantyne', 'Heritage' or 'Mary Rose'. In any case, consider accompanying it with low-growing and bushy plants such as perennial geraniums, which will hide its base once the foliage has dried up. For a more dynamic effect, its flowers can structure a modern garden where various geometric shapes oppose each other. For example, it can be combined with Stipa tenuissima, lavender, and trimmed lonicera nitida.

In short, the possibilities are endless. There is certainly a corner of your garden where this garlic will work wonders.