Allium scorodoprasum 'Art' is an extraordinary ornamental form of the sand leek, grown for its wonderfully unusual purple flower heads. Unlike the neat spherical blooms of many ornamental alliums, 'Art' produces curious umbels made up of purple flowers and developing bulbils carried on long, wiry stems. The result is architectural, slightly eccentric and guaranteed to stand out in a summer border.

Flowering from May into June and reaching approximately 100cm tall, the slender stems rise well above surrounding plants, allowing the distinctive flower heads to appear almost suspended above the border. It is an excellent choice for gardeners looking beyond the familiar globe-flowered ornamental onions and works particularly well in naturalistic, gravel and contemporary planting schemes.

• Botanical name: Allium scorodoprasum 'Art'
• Common name: Ornamental Sand Leek 'Art'
• Flower colour: Purple
• Flowering time: May-June
• Height: Approximately 100cm
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Habit: Hardy bulbous perennial
• Special feature: Unusual flower heads containing bulbils
• Suitable for: Sunny borders, gravel gardens, naturalistic planting and containers
• Wildlife: Flowers can attract bees and other pollinating insects

About Allium 'Art'

Allium scorodoprasum is commonly known as sand leek and belongs to the same genus as onions, garlic, chives and the many ornamental alliums grown in British gardens. 'Art' has been selected for its particularly decorative flower heads and makes an intriguing alternative to conventional ornamental allium cultivars.

The developing heads have an almost sculptural appearance. Purple flowers are accompanied by bulbils at the base of the umbel, while elongated wiry growth gives the heads their distinctive, irregular form. No two displays look quite identical, which is very much part of this plant's appeal.

An Architectural Allium for Summer Borders

Reaching around a metre tall, 'Art' provides height without creating a heavy block of foliage or flowers. Its slender stems allow it to rise through lower-growing plants, adding vertical interest while maintaining an airy appearance.

This makes it especially effective in mixed perennial borders and naturalistic planting. Rather than hiding neighbouring plants, the flower heads seem to hover above them and become increasingly interesting as they develop.

Where to Plant Allium scorodoprasum 'Art'

Choose a position in full sun with well-drained soil. Ornamental alliums generally dislike spending prolonged periods in cold, saturated ground, so drainage is particularly important during winter.

'Art' can be planted amongst hardy perennials and ornamental grasses, towards the middle or back of a sunny border, or incorporated into a gravel garden. Its unusual shape also makes it an excellent specimen for contemporary planting schemes where individual plants with strong architectural character can be appreciated.

How to Plant Allium 'Art' Bulbs

Plant the bulbs during autumn with the pointed end facing upwards. A useful general rule is to plant allium bulbs at approximately two to three times the depth of the bulb itself. Space several bulbs through a planting area rather than placing them in a rigid line for a more natural effect.

On heavy clay soils, improve drainage with organic matter and horticultural grit where necessary. Once planted in suitable conditions, established bulbs require relatively little attention.

Flowers and Bulbils

One of the most fascinating characteristics of Allium scorodoprasum 'Art' is the production of bulbils within the flower head. These small bulb-like structures develop amongst the flowers and contribute greatly to the cultivar's unusual appearance.

As the head matures, the combination of purple flowers, bulbils and wiry stems creates a wonderfully unconventional structure. It is precisely this curious appearance that makes 'Art' such an interesting plant for allium enthusiasts and gardeners who enjoy unusual bulbs.

Growing Allium 'Art' in Containers

'Art' can also be grown in a large, stable container provided drainage is excellent. Use a free-draining compost and position the pot in full sun. Because the flowering stems can reach around 100cm, a substantial container is preferable to a small pot that may become top-heavy.

After Flowering

Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering so that it can continue feeding the bulb for the following season. The unusual developing flower heads can also be left standing after the main flowers have faded, extending the plant's architectural contribution to the border.

Wildlife Value

The flowers of ornamental alliums are attractive to a range of pollinating insects. Bees in particular may visit the blooms for nectar and pollen, making Allium 'Art' a useful addition to a sunny border planted with a succession of wildlife-friendly flowers.

Companion Planting

The tall, slender habit of 'Art' makes it easy to weave amongst other plants. Try combining it with salvias, hardy geraniums, nepeta and ornamental grasses, or mix it with more conventional globe-flowered alliums for a contrast in flower shape.

Planting lower-growing perennials around the bulbs can also help disguise the allium foliage as it begins to fade while the flower stems remain prominent above the border.

Why Grow Allium scorodoprasum 'Art'?

• Highly unusual ornamental allium
• Distinctive purple early-summer flowers
• Produces fascinating bulbils within the flower heads
• Long, wiry stems create an airy architectural effect
• Flowers from May to June
• Reaches approximately 100cm tall
• Excellent for sunny mixed borders
• Ideal for naturalistic and gravel-style planting
• Attractive to pollinating insects
• A superb conversation piece for unusual bulb collections

For gardeners who like their ornamental bulbs a little out of the ordinary, Allium scorodoprasum 'Art' is a fascinating choice. Its combination of purple flowers, developing bulbils and extraordinary wiry flower heads creates a display quite unlike that of conventional ornamental alliums, adding height, movement and genuine curiosity to the early-summer garden.