Allium Round n Purple

Allium 'Round 'n' Purple' is a spectacular variety of ornamental garlic with huge pale-lilac spherical inflorescences, 15cm (6in) in diameter. The flowers are very popular with pollinating insects. The blooms appear in late spring, at the top of thick and sturdy stems that are not afraid of rain or wind. Like many ornamental garlics, it thrives in full sun in well-drained, fairly rich soils that are not too wet in winter and are dry during the bulb's resting period.

Allium 'Round 'n' Purple' is a perennial herbaceous plant with a bulb, belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. It is derived from A. giganteum, native to Eastern and Central Asia, from Afghanistan to Pakistan and Russia, as well as the Himalayas. It prefers a sunny exposure and light, well-drained, limestone soil. Its bulb is resistant to cold in soils that are not too wet, especially in winter and the second half of summer.

Similar to A. giganteum and A. 'Globemaster', this horticultural variety blooms earlier. Its inflorescences flower as early as May. Its airy and spherical umbels are formed by countless small star-shaped purple-lilac flowers carried on sturdy stems at a height of about 70 to 80cm (28 to 32in). The deciduous basal leaves are ribbon-shaped and bluish-grey. They emerge from the ground in early spring and dry up before the flowers appear. The flower heads have no fragrance. They remain decorative in flower beds once pollinated. The bulb replenishes its reserves after flowering and produces many bulbils, allowing it to multiply rapidly.

Planted individually, 'Round 'n' Purple' has little interest. However, it becomes quite remarkable when planted in groups of 3 to 5 bulbs in large flower beds with perennials in shades of pink and blue. Perfect in a contemporary-style setting, it is indispensable in a romantic mixed border, surrounded by a carpet of Nepeta 'Six Hill Giant', and accompanied by Stachys byzantina and Chinese peonies, for example. Plant it in front of a background of opulent pink-flowered roses such as Rosa 'Eglantyne', R. 'Heritage', or R. 'Mary Rose'. Consider pairing it with low-growing, bushy plants that will hide its base once the foliage has dried up. For a more dynamic effect, its flowers can structure a modern garden where various geometric shapes oppose each other. For example, it can be paired with Stipa tenuissima, lavender, and cone-shaped trimmed boxwoods. It can also be grown in pots to enjoy its beautiful flowering on a balcony or patio. Enhance your floral bouquets with its large flowers, or dry them for guaranteed originality.