Plant of the weekGardens This article is more than 11 years oldPlant of the week: round-headed leek
This article is more than 11 years oldOrnamental member of allium family, a great one for bordersWhat is it? The round-headed leek (Allium sphaerocephalon) isn't a leek for the veg patch but a useful ornamental member of the allium family. Handy, because it flowers a bit later than most of its relatives – mid-July or so, into August – and its compact, drumstick-shaped flowers in bright green tipped with blackcurrant look great swaying in the breeze.
Plant it with? The stems reach up to 80cm, so there's a danger they'll flop: plant through grasses such as pennisetum or Stipa tenuissima to help hold them in place. The round heads also look good against the semi-dried seedheads of earlier-flowering alliums, such as A. christophii or 'Purple Sensation'.
And where? Full sun. In early autumn, plant the bulbs 7cm deep and 8-10cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil: winter bogginess will reduce your chances of success.
Any drawbacks? If you plant them in a hectic border full of taller perennials, they could get lost: arrange in swaths through borders, grouping bulbs in odd numbers for the best visual impact.
What else does it do? Although it's primarily ornamental, you can eat the stems of this allium as you would chives – just be aware that this could set back the flowers a bit. Buy it Order 25 bulbs for £7.99, or 50 for £15.98 and get 25 bulbs free. All orders include free UK mainland p&p. Call 0330 333 6856, quoting ref GUA691, or visit our Reader Offers page. Delivery from September.
Explore more on these topicsShareReuse this contentncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEoKyaqpSerq96wqikaKSZm7KiusOsq7KklWR%2FcX2RaJiun19ofnC8y5qlrWWfm3q4scSkZKunpaOxbrTEmpuenF2hsqa3