Allium paradoxum

RHS Plant Profile
few-flowered garlic

Other common names

few-flowered leek, quaint garlic

Bulbs

This plant is listed as an invasive non-native species in the UK – see Cultivation section for details. A bulbous perennial to about 50cm in height, with garlic-scented, narrow green leaves. Small white flowers appear from early to late spring. The flower stems produce clusters of bulbils, allowing A. paradoxum to spread quickly in favourable conditions

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral or Alkaline

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Allium are bulbous herbaceous perennials with a strong onion or garlic scent, linear, strap-shaped or cylindrical basal leaves and star-shaped or bell-shaped flowers in an umbel on a leafless stem
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 as an invasive non-native species. Although not banned from sale, it is an offence to plant or cause it to grow in the wild in the UK. See advice on Wild Garlic and invasive non-native species for further information

Propagation

See cultivation notes

Pests

See cultivation notes

Diseases

See cultivation notes