Roundheaded Leek
Allium sphaerocephalon
- Native to:
- Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baleares, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canary Is., Corse, Cyprus, Czechia-Slovakia, East Aegean Is., Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Krym, Kuwait, Lebanon-Syria, Morocco, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine
Raimundo Pastor
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Amaryllidaceae
- Genus:
- Allium
- Species:
- Allium sphaerocephalon
- USDA Symbol:
- ALSP4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Geophyte
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to dry, open habitats in Europe
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination. Best sown fresh in fall or cold-stratified if spring sown.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Seed viability < 1 year for cold germinators except for A. cristophii