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Key characteristics

Family: Amaryllidaceae
Height: 8 to 12 inches
Width: 6 to 8 inches
Flower color: Pink to lilac-pink, forming small, rounded umbels
Foliage color: Gray-green, narrow, and strap-like
Bloom time: Midsummer to late summer
Light: Full sun
Water: Low
Maintenance: Low; deadhead after flowering to prevent self-seeding if not desired
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8
Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; deer and rabbit resistant due to its onion scent

Bulbs

Allium lusitanicum

Mountain Garlic

Allium lusitanicum is a charming ornamental allium that produces clusters of small, star-shaped pink to lavender flowers. Blooming from mid to late summer, these blossoms are held on slender, upright stems, adding a delicate yet vibrant touch to gardens. The narrow, grass-like foliage remains neat and unobtrusive, complementing the floral display without overshadowing it.

Native to the rocky slopes and grasslands of Europe, particularly in the Iberian Peninsula, Allium lusitanicum is well-adapted to sunny, well-drained environments.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low

Bloom time

Midsummer to late summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Sun Gardens
Rock Gardens
Containers
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Garden phlox · Black-eyed Susans · Daylilies · Lavender · Coreopsis · Russian sage

Design tip

Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Plant in generous groups rather than single spots, and set them among perennials whose new growth covers the fading foliage.