Allium thunbergii ‘alba'

Japanese Onion Amaryllidaceae

Who said alliums have to be purple? ‘Alba’ is the elegant white-flowered form of Allium thunbergii, producing neat clumps of narrow, grassy foliage followed in autumn by a succession of crisp white flowers. Unlike many ornamental alliums, it flowers late, making it particularly useful for extending the season when summer colour is beginning to fade. The leaves have a mild onion flavour and can be used as a culinary herb, although this is principally a plant for its ornamental value. A compact, unfussy little allium for the front of borders, gravel gardens and containers—proof that sometimes the best way to stand out is to keep things simple.

Height: 20–30cm

Spread: 15–20cm