Species round-headed leek
 Tall green stems with small pink flowers in a tight, round cluster.

round-headed leek

Allium sphaerocephalon

The round-headed leek (Allium sphaerocephalon) is an amazing plant species that provides a feast of color to your garden throughout the year. With beautiful pink flower heads throughout spring and summer, unique papery–thin stems that sway in the breeze, and stunning red-bronze seed heads in the fall and winter, this hardy perennial will add texture and vibrancy to any setting. The long lasting flowering heads even provide food for a variety of insects, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Deep green changing to rose purple Flowers

Sun:

full sun

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

brown Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Round-headed leek (Allium sphaerocephalon) is a warm-season perennial plant that requires about 1 inch of water per week, especially during hot, dry weather. Water the plants deeply. This not only helps keep the soil moist but also helps promote root growth. When watering, avoid wetting the foliage, as this can cause the leaves to rot. Generally, water the plants early in the morning, so the foliage has a chance to dry off before nightfall. During the winter, the plants will require less water. Allow the soil to partially dry out before watering again during the colder months.

sunlight

Round-headed leek (Allium sphaerocephalon) is a hardy plant that prefers areas of full sun. It grows best when receiving 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Early morning sun is best for this species, and keeping it in an area where it receives the most sunlight throughout the day will promote good growth and flowering. Additionally, the plant will benefit from indirect winter sunlight, so try to keep it near a south-facing window. Shade is tolerable but can decrease the flowering potential.

pruning

You should prune Round-headed leek (Allium sphaerocephalon) in early spring, just as the plant is beginning to send up its first shoots. Pruning should be minimal; lightly pinch off the flower bud heads at the top of each plant and remove any damaged or diseased leaves or stems. Avoid cutting back too much or pruning into old or woody stems as this can limit the plant’s ability to flower and can also attract pests. If necessary, dead-head faded flowers at the end of the flowering season.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Round-headed leeks typically start flowering in May.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Allium sphaerocephalon typically begins in June and continues through August.

Hardiness Map