Allium Loratum

Allium loratum is a compact Himalayan onion with narrow strap-like leaves and short upright stems carrying rounded heads of pale purple to lilac, star-shaped flowers. Its tidy scale and spring display make it particularly suitable for troughs, gravel beds and the front of a sunny border, where the small globes can be seen clearly. Originating in high Asian mountain country, it combines good cold tolerance with a preference for open, sharply drained ground. The flowers attract early pollinators, while the bulbs gradually form modest clumps without overwhelming neighbouring alpine plants.