Tommymoo's Garden
Nectaroscordum siculum
Genus: Nectaroscordum.
Species: Nectaroscordum siculum.
27 Aug 2010. Diss market. 3 bulbs for 1 pound.
Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light
Height: 120cm
Spread: 10cm
Time to divide plants: September to October
Try it in a gravel garden where it will love the well-drained conditions and self-seed happily. To create a bold effect, plant it at the front of the border, where other plants can be seen though its stems. The seed heads dry well and can be used in dried flower arrangements.
This native to France and Italy, is a close relative of the alliums, and the flower, the seed head and the leaves each make a valuable contribution in the garden. The leaves are triangular in cross section, twisting as they rise, and have the typical allium smell of onions. The sturdy stems rising to about 20 - 30" (50 - 75cm) carry clusters of 10 to 30 thimble-sized, waxy bell-shaped flowers branching out from a central point. They are cream with burgundy pink markings, flushed green at the base on the outside and a bit darker inside. When flowering ends the seed heads point themselves skywards again, and look wonderful both in the border and when cut for arrangements. It grows easily in well-drained soil, and will tolerate part shade, but it does not like too much competition.
Flowering in early summer to 30" tall.
