Allium scorodoprasum Bizarre

Allium scorodoprasum 'Bizarre' is an uncommon rocambole garlic with a rather strange appearance. Its slightly dishevelled inflorescences are spherical, composed of small purple bulblets mixed with pinkish-purple flowers, whose petioles elongate, as well as green filaments that carry the fertilised flowers. This hardy bulbous plant has a sturdy stem that allows it to withstand the wind, like tall grasses. It has an indefinable charm and a unique cut flower. It is a vigorous variety that thrives in well-drained, sunny soils. It tolerates summer drought well.

Originating from central Europe, particularly from the Caucasus, Allium scorodoprasum is the wild form of rocambole garlic. It naturally grows in sandy soils. The recently introduced 'Bizarre' selection bears inflorescences perched at a height of 1.1m (4ft) on spiralled stems in their upper part. These are globular clusters surrounded by membranous bracts, consisting of bulblets and small pinkish-purple flowers. This flowering occurs between June and July. The foliage consists of 4 to 6 basal tubular leaves with a strong sulphur smell. The foliage yellows and disappears at the same time as the flowering, which is a good adaptation to hot and dry summer conditions. This plant produces few seeds and mainly reproduces through the dissemination of bulblets produced on the umbel.

Easy to grow, Allium 'Bizarre' appreciates any type of moist but well-drained soil during its growing period. It prefers a sunny location. It is perfect in borders or mass plantings, but it can also be grown in pots to enjoy its beautiful flowering on a balcony or patio. Its fresh or dried flowers will bring a rustic and unusual touch to bouquets. Plant it in groups of 5, nestled among ornamental grasses, tall and light perennials like fennel, or near roses or yellow brooms. For a spectacular sculptural effect, plant it with trimmed boxwoods in a ball shape. This edible garlic can also be planted in the vegetable garden.

Handy vegetable garden tip: plant a few ornamental garlics among strawberries to protect them from fungal diseases and to add some pleasant blooms that are sometimes missing among vegetables.