Allium Amphibolum

From Western China, this rare and delightful species bears in July drumsticks of delicate rose-lilac flowers with dark red filaments. These honey-scented heads look to be made of pink velvet. It is seldom seen, but in contrast to its rarity this well-mannered plant is easy in the garden in sun or light shade and a fertile soil. It is native to slopes from 2500-3000 metres, of W Xinjiang in China, Kazakstan, Mongolia and Russia.