German Garlic
Allium senescens

Family: Alliaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Pink. Main Bloom Time: Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect

Allium senescens is a BULB growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Dry, usually rocky places. Forests, dry stony slopes, steppes, saline meadows and gravelly places at elevations of 500 - 800 metres in northern China.

C. Europe to Siberia, China and Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Bulb - raw or cooked. An onion substitute. The small bulbs are formed in clusters on a rhizome and are up to 10mm in diameter. Leaves - raw or cooked. A fairly strong onion flavour with a slight bitterness, but acceptable raw. We use them in salads or as a flavouring in cooked foods. Flowers - raw or cooked. An attractive garnish in salads.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 2

Although no specific mention of medicinal uses has been seen for this species, members of this genus are in general very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavour) and when added to the diet on a regular basis they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system.

Other

Rating:

The juice of the plant is used as a moth repellent. The whole plant is said to repel insects and moles.

Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Alpine garden, Border, Container, Massing, Rock garden, Specimen. Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant. A very ornamental plant, it is frequently confused with A. montanum. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants. Grows well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but it inhibits the growth of legumes. This plant is a bad companion for alfalfa, each species negatively affecting the other. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Fragrant foliage, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers, Suitable for dried flowers.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle - if you want to produce clumps more quickly then put three plants in each pot. Grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter and plant them out into their permanent positions in spring once they are growing vigorously and are large enough. Division in spring. Very easy, the plants divide successfully at any time in the growing season and the divisions can be planted straight out into their permanent positions if required.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Bulb

Hardiness: 4-10

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in very large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. lusitanicum.