Allium siculum
Sicilian honey garlic bulbs (syn. Nectaroscordum siculum)
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: any moderately fertile, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: May to June
- Hardiness: fully hardy
- Bulb size: 8-
- Garden care: Bulbs can be planted 15cm deep and 15cm apart. Pot-grown plants can be enjoyed as they are while in bloom, but as the flowers fade, they should either be potted up or planted out in the garden. Avoid excessive mositure when the plants become dormant (from late summer) and lift and divide over-large clumps in autumn or spring.
Allium siculum is an exquisite and unusual ornamental onion, that produces an umbrella of subtly coloured bell-shaped flowers, which hang from the tips of stiff, upright stems in May and June. This tall, exotic-looking, bulbous perennial looks wonderful in mixed borders or more naturalised planting schemes, where it will add height, structure and colour. Even after the flowers fade, their curious, shuttlecock-like seedheads are beguiling, extending their season of interest well into summer and (if picked), adding a twist to dried flower arrangements.
- Humans/Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten