Allium ledebourianum

The Allium ledebourianum, also known as Altai Chives, is an Asian species with tufts of linear foliage that can reach up to 80 cm in height. They bear dense, hemispherical umbels of pink-purple flowers with soft shades of lavender and pink. This delightful species closely resembles classic chives. However, it is even hardier. It is an essential and decorative herb, easy to grow in rockeries or well-drained flower beds, and can withstand both cold and dry summers.

Allium ledebourianum belongs to the Alliaceae family (formerly known as Liliaceae). It is a species native to central and northeastern Asia: Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, and China. It is found at altitudes of up to 1800 m. It produces round star-shaped clusters of flowers on linear foliage, which can reach heights of 40 cm to 60 cm, or even 80 cm. The tepals are pale purple with a darker purple central vein. It blooms in summer.

Altai chives develop delightful flowers, perched on slender stems, similar to our common chives. It can thrive in various conditions, whether in sunny flower beds, rockeries, or vegetable gardens. It is resistant to harsh weather and neglect, and produces an abundance of flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The key is to keep the soil dry in summer and not too wet in winter. In ornamental gardens, it can be paired with perennials that thrive in dry soil, such as Stipa, Geranium sanguineum, Dianthus gratianopolitanus, Santolines, and oreganos, to create a Mediterranean style decor.