Allium zebdanense

Allium zebdanense, known as Lebanese Garlic, is a botanical species native to Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and Israel. It is rare in cultivation. It is a small bulbous plant with a natural appearance, growing in dense clumps similar to some sedges, with its delicate white flowering appearing quite early in spring. Relatively easy to grow, this ornamental garlic thrives in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. It can tolerate very dry summers but is sensitive to harsh winters. If the conditions are right, this edible plant will naturalise in the garden and return every year.

Allium zebdanense (synonym A. chionanthum) belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family, like all alliums. In the wild, it is found on sunny or shaded rocky slopes and in crevices. It is always found in well-drained, calcareous soils that are dry to wet. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with a small elongated bulb measuring about 1cm in height. The foliage emerges from the ground as early as October in mild climates and theoretically persists throughout winter, but it will be damaged by severe frosts. Under colder climates, it will emerge in late winter, and flowering will be later. This foliage consists of multiple fairly short, narrow, fine, shiny, semi-cylindrical leaves of a vibrant green, often curved at their tips. The leaves contain a fragrant latex. Flowering occurs in spring, between March and May, depending on the climate. The slender floral stems, 40cm (16in) tall, bear trailing umbels of 10 to 15 semi-open star-shaped white flowers, measuring 1.2cm (1in), a notable size compared to the plant. The outer three petals are striped with green. The fruits are small trigonous capsules containing a few small black seeds. The foliage dries out at the beginning of summer, while the bulb goes into dormancy. During this time of year, the soil should be rather dry.

Use this Lebanese garlic in dense clumps of 20 bulbs in a rock garden, along the edge of a cold-protected bed, among bushes, under deciduous trees, or in a container. Ideal in a waterless garden, it adapts elsewhere if it is protected from excessive moisture, both in summer and winter. For example, pair it with drought-tolerant shade plants such as liriope, lily of the valley, periwinkle, liverwort, and grecian windflower. Allium zebdanense is also a perfect companion to hostas: the garlic will flower when their foliage emerges and fade away when its companions display the beauty of their leaves and flowers. In sunny areas, create a lovely scene with red tulips and blue forget-me-nots. Finally, while all garlic is edible, this variety is not mentioned in literature for any culinary use.