Pink Lily Leek

A compact, pretty, purple-pink-flowered plant, Allium ostrowskianum, also known as Allium oreophilum is a small, bulbous, deciduous perennial that comes up year after year. The leaves are narrow, erect and grey-green. Loose heads of pink-purple, star-shaped flowers are borne in spring and summer; bees and other pollinators love the flowers, making the plant a good addition to a wildlife garden. Plant 10cm deep and apart.  If you have heavy clay, it’s best to add grit to the planting hole, as the plant dislikes winter wet. Good in cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and gravel gardens. Easy to grow, and no pruning needed. Congested clumps may be divided. Ornamental onions should NOT be eaten.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any fertile, moist but well-drained or well-drained soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Spring and summer
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height:  4” (10cm) Spread: 4” (10cm) in 2-5 years

Photo Attribution: © El Grafo / CC-BY-SA-4.0