Allium wallichii aka Himalaya Onion

Allium wallichii is a bulb-forming perennial in the amaryllis family. Its common names include Jimbur and Wallich's garlic. Its native range spans Pakistan, southern China, and northern Indo-China. It grows in forest clearings and among shrubs. These sites receive the full force of summer monsoon rains. Wild plants occur at 9,200–14,100 feet [2,800–4,300 metres] above sea level.

This upright plant forms clumps and loses its leaves seasonally. Short rhizomes grow alongside its small, poorly developed bulbs. Plants stand about 1–3 feet [0.3–0.9 metres] tall. The RHS gives an upper garden height of 3.3 feet [1 metre]. Clumps can spread to 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] wide. The narrow, mid-green leaves reach 2–3 feet [0.6–0.9 metres] long. Some leaves rise from the base; others clasp the stems. Purple, star-shaped flowers form loose umbels above the foliage. Each flower cluster measures about 2–2.8 inches [0.05–0.07 metres] across. Blooms appear in late summer and early autumn.

Grow this species in full sun with shelter from exposure. It needs moist soil that drains well. The RHS lists chalk, clay, loam, and sand as suitable. It also accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil conditions. Plants reach their full size in one to two years. The RHS rates its hardiness as H6. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 5–7. These ratings come from different regional systems and sources.

Use it in flower beds, borders, and informal cottage gardens. The RHS also suggests wildlife gardens and cut-flower use. Its late flowers add colour as summer gives way to autumn. It needs no pruning. Raise new plants from seed, or separate offsets in autumn. Slugs and snails may damage the plants. Onion white rot and downy mildew are possible disease problems. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy.

Young leaves can be cooked and served as a vegetable. Dried leaves season curries and pickles. The small bulbs can be eaten raw or cooked. Their cloves also serve as a garlic substitute. Raw flowers provide a garnish for salads. Plants For A Future records traditional bulb uses for digestive and respiratory ailments. It also reports use for altitude sickness. These records describe folk uses, not proof of medical benefit. The same source records plant juice as a moth repellent. Claims that whole plants repel insects and moles remain reported uses.