Overview
Allium sphaerocephalon is a bushy bulbs in the genus Allium, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Allium sphaerocephalon grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH.
About
Allium sphaerocephalon is a plant species in the Amaryllis family known as round-headed leek, round-headed garlic, ball-head onion, and other variations on these names. Drumstick allium is another common name applied to this species. It is a bulbous herbaceous perennial plant. Allium sphaerocephalon is found in the wild across all parts of Europe except in the northern and western countries (Scotland, Ireland, Netherlands, Scandinavia, and the Baltic States). It is native to Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baleares, Belgium and other regions. Mature plants reach roughly 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Allium sphaerocephalon
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Allium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
Plant details
Allium sphaerocephalon size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Allium sphaerocephalon?
Allium sphaerocephalon prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Allium sphaerocephalon need?
Allium sphaerocephalon is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Allium sphaerocephalon grow?
Allium sphaerocephalon reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
More in the Allium genus
- Allium 'Garlic White'garlic 'Garlic White'
- Allium 'Japanese White'garlic 'Japanese White'
- Allium 'Judith'
- Allium 'Summer Beauty'
- Allium affine
- Allium akaka
- Allium alexeianum
- Allium amethystinumamethyst allium
