Allium Tripedale

Allium tripedale is an imposing bulb from eastern Turkey and north-western Iran, producing stout stems up to a metre high above a basal fan of garlic-scented leaves. In early summer each stem carries a dense cluster of twenty or more nodding, bell-shaped flowers, usually white with delicate pink or rose markings. Formerly placed in Nectaroscordum, it combines the architectural height of a border allium with the softer movement of hanging bells. It is striking among grasses and perennials, attracts pollinating insects and leaves handsome upright seed capsules after flowering.