Allium sphaerocephalon

Allium sphaerocephalon, also known as round-headed garlic, is a widely spread ornamental garlic in southern Europe, where its pretty pompom-like flowers emerge in early summer from often rocky and somewhat arid landscapes. In the garden, it can be planted in groups in wildflower beds, its flowers forming beautiful dark red spots that enhance all other blooming plants. It can be accompanied by low-growing plants such as germander or perennial geraniums that will cover the base of its stem, which is devoid of leaves during the flowering period.

Allium sphaerocephalon belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. Originally from central Asia, it is also commonly found in Mediterranean regions, often in hilly or mid-mountain areas, up to 1200m (3937ft) above sea level. It is a hardy botanical species that thrives in the heat of rocky, limestone soils that are dry in summer and well-drained in winter.

This ornamental garlic has an ovoid bulb topped with small bulblets. Its foliage emerges from the ground in autumn or spring. It consists of fine, linear, upright leaves, 30 to 40cm (12t o 16in) long and bright green in colour. It dries up shortly before the appearance of the inflorescence, in June-July, carried at the top of a thin, hollow stem that rises 60 to 70cm (24 to 28in) above the ground. This ovoid-shaped inflorescence, 5cm (2in) in diameter, is an umbel composed of about forty tiny flowers surrounded by coloured membranes (spathes). Their colour is a deep pink, with a purplish or reddish hue. This flowering is quite attractive to bees. The seeds are produced abundantly and self-sow in light soil. All parts of this plant are edible, with the leaves and bulb having a characteristic spicy flavour typical of the allium family, which is appreciated in cooking.

Plant Allium sphaerocephalon in full sun, in well-drained soil, and it will faithfully return each year. Plant it in groups of 3 or 5, nestled among grasses, for a beautiful airy effect. Surrounded by the moving foliage and feathery flowers of grasses, its flowers create a perfect contrast and a charming duo in a dry garden. Tall thistles like Eryngium, Berkheya purpurea or Onopordum also pair well with ornamental garlic, as do Oriental or California poppies. Consider planting your ornamental garlic bulbs among other plants that will cover the space left after they go dormant. The flowers are also very beautiful in bouquets.