Rosy garlic Allium roseum
Table of Contents
Due to its attractive flowers and pleasant scent, rosy garlic is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. It’s known for its easy maintenance and ability to attract important pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Plant family: Amaryllidaceae
Aliases: Rosy flowered garlic
Flowering period: May – June
Flower colour: White, pale pink
Preferred soil type: Free draining
Habitat: Hedgerows, grassland, roadside verges
Status: Common
General information
Rosy garlic, also known by its botanical name Allium roseum, is a species of wild garlic. It’s native to the Mediterranean region, not the UK, however, it’s been introduced to various parts the UK and Europe, and can be found growing in the wild in some areas.
It is known for its distinctive pink flowers, from which it takes its name. This plant is a perennial and belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family, which also includes other types of garlic and onions. It gives off a light garlicky scent, however, it tends to be less pungent than other plants in this family.
It thrives in dry, free draining soil types and can be seen growing in meadows, grassland and woodland and prefers sights that receive ample sunlight. It typically grows between 30 – 60 cm high, with sunlight, soil conditions and water availability all having an influence on its growth.
Identification
Flowers: The delicate flowers can be up to 2cm in diameter and typically bloom between May and June, forming in loose, airy umbels. Colour wise, they vary from white to different shades of pink, with the depth of colour often influenced by the growing conditions.
Leaves: The leaves are long (up to 30cm), narrow, and linear, with a smooth and somewhat fleshy texture, typical of many plants in this family.
Value for wildlife
The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators and for this reason rosy garlic is a popular choice in rock gardens, borders, and as part of naturalistic plantings.
Uses for rosy garlic
Both the leaves and bulbs of rosy garlic can be eaten (they have a mild garlic flavor, which can add a subtle aromatic quality to dishes), though it is not as commonly used for culinary purposes as other plants in this family.
Rosy garlic like other members of the Allium family, has been attributed with various medicinal properties including antioxidant properties, antimicrobial effects and anti-inflammatory properties. However, these are less well-documented and researched compared to more common species like common garlic.
Rosy garlic gallery
Click to enlarge
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