Allium oreophilum (Pink Lily Leek)

Allium oreophilum: The Pink Lily Leek

Allium oreophilum, commonly called Pink Lily Leek, is a dainty ornamental onion native to Central Asian mountains. In late spring, it produces loose umbels of 10-20 star-shaped, pink flowers with darker midribs on 8-12 inch stems. The narrow, gray-green leaves are onion-scented and wither by flowering time. It is also known as Allium ostrowskianum and Allium platystemon.

Rock Garden Gem

Plant bulbs in autumn in full sun and gritty, well-drained soil. It thrives in rock gardens, scree beds, and alpine troughs. The bulbs multiply slowly, forming neat clumps. It is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. The delicate pink flowers pair beautifully with blue spring bulbs like Ipheion or Scilla.

Taxonomy

• Family: Alliaceae
• Genus: Allium
• Species: oreophilum
• Synonyms: Allium ostrowskianum, Allium platystemon