The good sized stems on this Allium wallichianum make it a worthwhile addition to the late summer border. At this time of year foliage has reached maximum height and luxuriance so any bulbs need to be of a certain stature to send the flower into the light. Rounded heads of purple with prominent blue anthers loved by pollinating insects. The attached images show flower heads at various stages of development. The papery sheath gradually shed as the head expands to open fully. Collected in China’s Yunnan Province, growing at 3200m, on a steep scree slope.
Allium wallichii
Allium wallichii