Allium paradoxum var. normale

Allium paradoxum var. normale is a beautiful bulbous plant, much less known and cultivated than its cousin A. paradoxum, which is classified as invasive in England. This rare subspecies is characterised by a charming spring flowering of small trailing white clusters, as well as fragrant and deliciously aromatic foliage. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate dry summers but dreads harsh winters. Very loyal if conditions are met, this ornamental and edible garlic will naturalise in the garden and come back every year.

Allium paradoxum var. normale belongs, like all ornamental garlic, to the Amaryllidaceae family. Originally from Iran, it is the non-bulbiferous form of a normally bulbiferous adventive species called A. paradoxum var. paradoxum. It is an herbaceous perennial plant with a small bulb measuring 1cm in diameter. The foliage emerges from the ground as early as November. It theoretically persists throughout winter, but will be damaged by heavy frost, so the cultivation of this plant is reserved for regions with mild winters. The foliage consists of long, bright green leaves with a prominent central vein. The leaves curl, hiding the floral buds that emerge in March-April. The flowering takes place in April-May, at 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in) above the ground. If they are not affected by frost, the small, pure white pendulous bell-shaped flowers bloom in small umbels. They are delightful but scentless. This "normal" form produces seeds that are dispersed by ants and germinate easily. The foliage dries up in early summer, while the bulb goes into dormancy. At this time of year, the soil should be rather dry.

Use this unique species by grouping the bulbs in a border protected from cold and wind, or in a pot. Allium paradoxum var. normale will particularly thrive at the base of shrubs and under deciduous trees with light foliage. For example, put it with fairly dry semi-shade plants such as liriopes, lily of the valley, periwinkle, liverworts, and blanda anemones. It can also accompany bear garlic, both in the garden and on the plate. This garlic is considered a useful plant in the fight against peach leaf curl and rose black spot. Finally, all garlics are edible, in all their parts, and this one is no exception.