Nectaroscordum siculum is closely related to the allium family, with stiff, upright stems that add a strong vertical element to planting schemes. Intriguing umbrellas of waxy, bell shaped flowers top the tall, glaucous stems from May to June. Each delicate bloom is deep cream flushed with pretty rose-pink stripes. As the flowers set seed, they stand upright on their stems, forming an interesting shuttlecock appearance that looks fabulous in dried flower arrangements. Despite its exotic looks, Nectaroscordum bulbs are perfectly hardy. Plant them throughout sunny borders and gravel gardens with room to seed about to create magnificent groups. Height: 120cm (48). Spread: 10cm (4).
A member of the allium family, Nectaroscordum siculum, also known as Honey Garlic is a fascinating and highly unusual ornamental onion. During May and June they produce umberella-like clusters of bell-shaped creamy flowers that have a splash of green at their bases and petals flushed with mauve, carried on tall, rigid stems and looking extremely exotic. Each stem can have up to 30 hanging flowers, and as they fade in late summer, they all turn upright to form seed heads that look like shuttlecocks, extending the season of interest into winter. Bees and other pollinators find the flowers of Nectaroscordum irresistible, which is why the RHS recommends it as a 'Plant for Pollinators'. Grow these spectacular plants in sunny borders with plenty of space around them for the large flowerhead. They also work well in gravel gardens and the seed heads dry well for adding an unusual touch to flower arrangements. Nectaroscordum self-seeds easily, but in takes several years for the seedlings to mature into flowering plants. Supplied as 10 bulbs, size 8/10, ready to plant in autumn, growing to a height of 1.2 m (4 ft) and spread of 20 cm (8 in).