Allium Siculum (9)

An unusual and elegant relative of the ornamental onion, Allium siculum — formerly known as Nectaroscordum siculum, and also called Sicilian honey garlic or honey lily — produces graceful clusters of bell-shaped, nodding flowers, cream in colour with a distinctive maroon streak down each petal and flared white tips. Held on tall, sturdy stems above twisting, blue-grey foliage, the drooping blooms appear in late spring to early summer and are followed by attractive, upright seed pods that provide interest well into late summer.

Reaching up to 1.2m in height, this variety is best planted in autumn in well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. It naturalises readily in the right conditions and tolerates a wide range of soils, making it a striking, low-maintenance addition to borders, cottage gardens or woodland edges. Like other members of the onion family, all parts have a distinct garlic-like scent when bruised or crushed.