Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial, Bulb

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Lavender

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Patio, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Mass Planting, Naturalizing, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Butterflies

German garlic is a perennial bulb that produces long, strap-like leaves of bluish-grey, that have a pleasing bright onion scent when crushed. Flowers are pink globes that appear in July and August. All parts of this plant have an oniony smell when cut or bruised. Although the leaves are edible, this plant is considered to be an ornamental and is not usually used for culinary purposes. Grows 18 inches tall (foliage is usually under 8 inches) and wide. A. s. var glaucum has interesting twisting leaves and is slightly shorter than the species.

Grow in full sun to part shade in well drained, dry to medium dry soil. Will slowly naturalize as clumps spread and through reseeding. If you wish to control re-seeding, deadhead the flowers before seeds form. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds; deer tend to leave it alone. Drought-tolerant and well suited to a low water garden. A. sativum is the culinary garlic and A. schoenoprasum is chive.