Allium siculum aka Honey Garlic

Allium siculum, or Sicilian honey garlic, is a bulbous perennial. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. Its native range runs from the Mediterranean to Romania. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. The name Nectaroscordum siculum also refers to this species. Its leaves die back rather than staying green year-round. It grows in tufts, with leaves arising near ground level. Each leaf has a keel, or ridge, along its length.

Garden plants reach about 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres] tall. Their spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. RHS describes flowering stems reaching 3.9 feet [1.2 metres]. Chicago Botanic Garden reports shorter stems of 2.5 feet [0.76 metres]. Plants take two to five years to reach mature size. Tall stems hold an umbel of flowers at the top. The long flower stalks let each bell hang down. RHS describes cream, pink and green shades in the flowers. Chicago lists white and purple flowers for the species. Flowering falls in May and June. By late summer, upright seed pods replace the hanging bells. These pods add interest after the flowers have faded.

Grow this plant in sun or partial shade. Chicago notes that it grows well in summer heat. Use moderately fertile soil that drains well. RHS lists chalk, clay, loam and sand as suitable soils. Acid, neutral and alkaline conditions all suit it. Moist soil is suitable, but water must drain away. RHS also records drought resistance. It gives the plant a UK hardiness rating of H5. Chicago lists USDA zones 4–8 for the species. Chicago describes it as easy to grow. RHS says it needs no pruning. Sow seed in spring or autumn, using containers in a cold frame. Another option is to remove offsets during summer.

Use it in flower beds, borders or as a specimen. RHS also suggests gravel gardens, meadows and wildlife gardens. Its form suits cottage gardens and less formal planting schemes. It can seed itself freely, so allow for new plants. RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. Bruised plant parts give off an unpleasant onion-like smell. The supplied species sources do not establish food uses or toxicity.