Allium Mont Blanc

Allium 'Mont Blanc' is the white-flowered version of the excellent ornamental garlic A. 'Globemaster', whose large round flower heads always leave observers amazed. It's a great idea to combine these two exceptional varieties in the garden, as they truly stand out in flower beds from late spring, like balls of light. 'Mont Blanc' is a low-maintenance plant that quickly multiplies over the years in well-drained soil and full sun. It looks stunning in flower pots and its flowers are also perfect in dried or fresh bouquets.

Allium 'Mont Blanc' is a perennial herbaceous plant, belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. It comes from A. giganteum, native to Eastern and Central Asia, from Afghanistan to Pakistan and Russia, as well as the Himalayas. It thrives in sunny locations with light, well-drained soil that is preferably alkaline. The bulb is cold-resistant in soils that are not too wet, especially in winter and the second half of summer.

The large bulb of 'Mont Blanc' develops a rosette of long, fleshy, ribbon-like leaves from spring, reaching up to 50cm (20in) in height. This decorative foliage gradually dries out as the flowering period approaches. Strong and upright lime-green flower stems, 90cm (35in) to 1m (3ft) tall, emerge from late May in moderate climates, sometimes in June-July depending on the region. They bear a superb globular inflorescence measuring 18 to 20cm (7 to 8in) in diameter at their tips. Each inflorescence is composed of numerous small, six-petalled white flowers. These flower heads, which are scentless, remain highly decorative in flower beds once they have been pollinated. After flowering, the bulb replenishes its reserves and produces numerous daughter bulbs, allowing it to multiply rapidly.

Isolated, Allium 'Mont Blanc' doesn't have much interest, but when combined with its pink-violet counterpart 'Globemaster' and perennials in shades of pink and blue, it becomes truly remarkable. Perfect in a contemporary-style setting, it is irreplaceable in a romantic mixed border, surrounded by a carpet of Nepeta 'Six Hill Giant', accompanied by Stachys byzantina and herbaceous peonies with large flowers such as 'Break a Day' or 'Bowl of Beauty', and against a backdrop of roses with opulent pink flowers: 'Eglantyne', 'Heritage' or 'Mary Rose'. In any case, consider accompanying it with low-growing and bushy plants that will hide its base once the foliage has dried out. For a more dynamic effect, its flowers can structure a modern garden where various geometric shapes contrast. For example, it can be combined with Stipa tenuissima, lavender, and cone-shaped trimmed boxwood.

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