A perennial herb grown for its flavoursome foliage; Chives, Allium schoenoprasum, is also a reliable flowering plant. When cutting for the kitchen, slice as far down the leaf as possible to stimulate new growth. The light purple flowers are grouped together in a tight terminal inflorescence and make this an ideal choice to edge the vegetable plot or incorporate into mixed borders. To keep the vigour, lift and divide clumps every three years. To prevent an invasion of seedlings, remove the spent flower heads before the seeds turn black and drop.

Chives, Allium schoenoprasum