Allium neapolitanum Groupe Cowanii

Allium neapolitanum 'Cowanii' is an ornamental garlic that produces bright white star-shaped umbels of flowers. They gracefully sway at the end of short stems, above attractive linear foliage. This plant, also known as white garlic or Naples garlic, adds a vibrant touch to borders, beds, rockeries, and sunny pots from late May. Highly appreciated by pollinating insects, it forms a small upright clump that should be planted in well-drained sunny soil.

Allium neapolitanum belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. It is a cousin of garlic and leek, which share a characteristic odour in their foliage, noticeable when crushed. It is a pioneer plant that grows spontaneously on embankments and abandoned fallow land in the southern half of Mediterranean Europe. The 'Cowanii' variety reaches a height of 45 to 50cm (18 to 20in) and has smooth, thick, triangular stems. Its deciduous leaves are linear, flat, and a tender green, measuring about 2 to 3cm (1in) wide. From late May or early June, it bears small loose umbels filled with open cup-shaped pure white flowers, 5cm (2in) in diameter.

Allium neapolitanum 'Cowanii' tolerates all poor, moist, and well-drained soils, especially in warm regions. It is advisable to avoid very wet soils in winter. It can be cultivated in a pot using a lightweight substrate composed of one-third sand, one-third compost, and one-third perlite. The flowers of this allium last a long time after being cut. In small gardens, they are perfect in pots on a sunny patio. It is stunning in both fresh and dried flower arrangements, as its heads remain decorative even when faded. It is recommended to leave some in the garden. It enhances sunny borders in a wild garden. It can be planted alongside fescues, moss phlox, white lavenders, and catmints to create a magnificent ensemble.