Allium senescens

Allium senescens: Twisty Blue Leaves With Late Lavender Pom-Poms

Flat blue-green leaves that curl and twist into a neat clump, like a hairstyle that took no effort at all. Lavender-pink pompoms show up late in the season. TWISTED IN THE BEST WAY.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Allium senescens
• Common Name: German Garlic
• Height: 25 cm (10 in)
• Spread: 25 cm (10 in)
• Flowers: Round heads of small, lavender-pink flowers on wiry stems
• Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July to September)
• Foliage: Flat, blue-green leaves that curl and twist into a neat clump

Where to Plant: This is a front-of-border plant. Use it to edge a sunny path, fill pockets in a rock garden, or repeat it through a gravel or dry garden. It also works well in containers and troughs.

Companion Plants: Thymus 'Elfin' forms a tiny carpet at the front and flowers pink in July and August, right alongside the lavender heads. Salvia Sallyrosa™ April Night adds violet spikes from late spring to early fall. Behind them, Panicum Prairie Winds® 'Cheyenne Sky' grows to 90 cm and holds interest into October. Everything here wants full sun.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in well-drained soil of average fertility. Sandy or gravelly soil suits it best. Water regularly during the first season. After that it handles dry stretches with little help. Deadhead after flowering if you want to limit seedlings, or leave the heads for a bit of winter structure. Cut the foliage back in late fall or early spring. Divide clumps in spring every few years when the centre gets crowded.

History: Allium senescens grows wild across a wide band of Europe and Asia, reaching east through Siberia to Korea, and the species holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Many of the blue-leaved, swirling forms in gardens are sold as A. senescens var. glaucum.

Final Thoughts: Use it to edge a sunny path or rock garden. The bees and butterflies will find it, the deer won't. SMALL, SPIRAL AND STRESS-FREE.