Allium senescens Lisa Blue

Allium senescens 'Lisa Blue' is a variety of A. senescens 'Lisa Green' but with bluish-green foliage. These two ornamental garlic cultivars have the advantage of bearing beautiful foliage from spring to autumn, even after flowering. This garlic produces a clump of ribbon-like, linear foliage with a bluish tint, which nicely complements its round heads of tender pink flowers tinged with blue. The flowering takes place generously in August and September, much to the delight of pollinating insects. It thrives in the sun, in well-draining soil. Hardy and tolerant of summer drought, it beautifully enhances rock gardens, sunny borders, and pots. Its flowers are long-lasting in fresh or dried bouquets.

Allium senescens 'Lisa Blue' is a hybrid variety of ornamental garlic derived from the species A. senescens. This cultivar develops in spring from a bulbous rhizome that forms a beautiful clump of upright, fairly thin, glossy, bluish-green leaves. It reaches about 30cm (12in) in height and spreads laterally through its slightly suckering rhizome, at least 30cm (12in). The flowering takes place in August and September, in average climates. Flowering stems measuring 30cm (12in) in height emerge from the centre of the tufts. Each stem bears a solitary inflorescence in the shape of a sphere 5 to 6cm (2in) in diameter. The inflorescences are composed of a multitude of tiny lilac-pink star-shaped flowers. They are nectar-rich and attractive to bees.

Planted en masse along a pathway, as a border for flower beds, or even combined with perennials in shades of pink and blue, this perennial 'Lisa Blue' garlic proves remarkable in a romantic mixed-border. It pairs well with daylilies, bellflowers, and agastaches. In an unusual bed mixing flowers and vegetables, it can be accompanied by chives, over-ripe chard with colourful stalks, bulbous fountain grass, purple basil, and many more. For a more dynamic effect, its flowers can structure a contemporary garden where various geometric shapes oppose each other. It can be paired with fine-leafed feather grass, lavender, and cone-shaped trimmed boxwoods.

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