Allium obliquum

Allium obliquum, also known as slanted garlic or twisted garlic, is an unusual ornamental garlic that is very hardy and has ornamental, medicinal, and culinary value. Its flowers, which appear in summer, display an extremely bright yellow-green colour. Easy to combine in romantic or naturalistic flower beds, this bulbous plant also has a place in the vegetable garden. Its twisted leaves have a pronounced garlic flavour that adds seasoning to all dishes, whether raw or cooked. Like all ornamental garlic, it thrives in the sun, in well-drained soil that is preferably limestone and dry in summer.

Allium obliquum belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. It is a widespread botanical species from Eastern Europe to Siberia, in temperate regions of Asia and the Middle East. This bulbous plant has a unique growth cycle: its foliage dries up and disappears during summer, once the bulb has replenished its nutrient reserves. It emerges from the ground at the end of autumn or early winter. To withstand cold and damp weather, its bulb must be deeply buried in well-drained soil.

Its foliage does not exceed 40cm (16in) in height. It consists of narrow, ribbon-like leaves, 1 to 2cm (1in) wide. They are distinctly twisted, highly aromatic, and grey-green in colour. Flowering from June to August, depending on the climate. A cylindrical floral stem measuring 60 to 70cm (24 to 28in) in height emerges from among the leaves. A spherical umbel inflorescence with a diameter of 4 to 5cm (2in) develops at its tip. It is composed of numerous tiny yellow-green flowers that become fluffy when they open, revealing a cluster of prominent stamens. This nectar-rich and honey-producing flowering is extremely popular with bees and butterflies.

Allium obliquum can be planted in rock gardens, grouped in flower beds, or in pots. It should always be planted in light and well-drained soils, even fairly poor, sandy, gravelly, and limestone ones, in a sunny and warm location. Once established, it naturalises well. Combine it with late tulips, lilies, and roses, or graceful perennials like lady's mantle, sage, perennial geraniums, and catmint for a unique scene.