Allium karataviense - Cebolla turkistan

The Allium karataviense, also known as the Ail du Turkestan ornamental, native to the mountains of Karatau in Kazakhstan, is an attractive, robust, and hardy botanical species that blooms in spring. It is recognized by its large globular pastel-colored flower heads carried by sturdy stems emerging from beautiful gray-blue reflective leaves. The plant goes dormant in summer. This ornamental garlic, not very tall but quite spectacular, will thrive in a sunny border or rockery among low plants, planted in very well-drained, even limestone, and dry soil in summer.

The Ail du Turkestan is native to Central Asia where it grows in the mountains, usually in limestone scree. This plant belongs to the liliaceous (allium) family, and develops from a single bulb, round and slightly flattened, which can reach 10 cm in diameter over the years. Its cold resistance is excellent (-20°C and colder), and it tolerates limestone soils and rather dry conditions in summer very well. The inflorescences, perched 25 cm above the ground, are dense spherical umbels measuring 6 to 7 cm in diameter. They consist of numerous star-shaped flowers with 6 petals, in a very soft blend of white, cream, and lilac colors. After pollination by pollinating insects, decorative black seeds form. This slightly fragrant flowering is carried by thick, sturdy stems, between May and June, as early as late April in our mild regions. The foliage, resembling a cone, emerges from the ground towards the end of March, more or less early depending on the regions. It consists of 2 to 5 leaves measuring 5 to 12 cm wide, arranged in a rosette. They are thick, violet on the underside, and covered with a bloom that gives them a refined gray-blue color. They are sometimes tinged with purple. The foliage yellows and disappears just after flowering, usually at the end of June, a good adaptation to hot and dry summer conditions.

Easy to grow, unique, the Allium karataviense appreciates any type of fresh soil in spring, but always well-drained, in a sunny position. Used to add an unusual touch to borders and rockeries, it adapts very well to pot culture, allowing you to enjoy its beautiful flowering on a balcony or terrace. Plant it in groups of 5 that you will slip between low perennials (Nepeta 'Kit Cat', Aubrieta, perennial geraniums, lavenders, ground cover carnations...).