Allium karataviense Red Giant

Allium karataviense 'Red Giant' is a variety of ornamental garlic from Turkestan that is particularly decorative with large heads of purplish-red flowers nestled among very broad leaves with grey-blue reflections. The plant blooms in late spring or early summer, and then goes dormant in summer. This compact but spectacular ornamental garlic will thrive in a sunny border or rock garden among low-growing plants, planted in well-drained soil, even limestone, that remains dry in summer.

'Red Giant' is a recent horticultural creation, derived from Allium karataviense, native to Central Asia where it grows in mountains, usually in limestone scree. This plant belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family, and develops from a single round and somewhat flattened bulb, which can reach 10cm (4in) in diameter over the years. Its cold resistance is excellent (-20°C (-4°F) and colder). 'Red Giant' tolerates limestone and rather dry soils in summer very well. The inflorescences, perched 20cm (8in) above the ground, are dense spherical umbels measuring 7 to 9cm (3 to 4in) in diameter. They consist of numerous star-shaped flowers with 6 petals, ranging in colour from wine-red to violet. After pollination by insects, decorative black seeds form. This flowering is supported by thick and sturdy stems, between May and June, as early as late April in mild regions. The foliage, resembling a cone, emerges from the ground towards the end of March, earlier or later depending on the region. It consists of 2 to 5 leaves measuring 5 to 12cm (2 to 5in) wide, arranged in a rosette. The leaves are thick and violet on the underside, and covered with a thick bloom that gives them a refined grey-blue colour. The foliage yellows and then disappears just after flowering, usually at the end of June, which is a good adaptation to hot and dry summer conditions.

Easy to grow, remarkably colourful and unique, Allium 'Red Giant' appreciates any type of moist but well-drained soil in spring. It prefers a sunny location. It adds a unique touch to borders and rock gardens. It also adapts very well to container cultivation, allowing you to enjoy its beautiful flowering on a balcony or patio. Plant it in groups of 5 that you can tuck between low-growing perennials (catmints, rock cress, perennial geraniums, lavenders, perennial salvias, carnations), near roses, or purple-leaved heucheras.

Handy vegetable garden tip: plant a few ornamental garlics among strawberries to protect them from fungal diseases. This will also add a few pleasant blooms that are sometimes lacking in the midst of vegetables.