Native to Europe and the Caucasus, Allium ursinum, commonly known as wild garlic, is an edible bulbous perennial particularly well suited to cool, shaded areas. It quickly forms a dense, fragrant and decorative ground cover, topped in spring with star-shaped white flower umbels. Unlike cultivated garlics that prefer full sun, it thrives beneath trees and provides an early-season leaf harvest.
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Packaging
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Packaging
GT9
To find out more about our packaging, please visit our young plants' page available from the website header.
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Available quantity 300 | Dispo à partir de 03/2027 | Sold by min 10 |
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Characteristics of Allium ursinum
Allium ursinum is a perennial geophyte producing broad, soft, lance-shaped, bright green leaves in spring. When crushed, the foliage releases a strong garlic scent. The flower stems bear loose umbels of star-shaped white flowers that provide nectar and pollen for pollinating insects. After flowering, the foliage turns yellow and disappears as the plant enters summer dormancy. The species spreads through both bulbs and seed, gradually forming extensive colonies. It differs from other aromatic alliums through its woodland growth habit, early seasonal development and ability to provide effective seasonal ground cover.
How to use Allium ursinum
Wild garlic is suitable for open woodland, the base of deciduous hedges, woodland edges, orchards and cool borders with northern or eastern exposure. It can be used as ground cover beneath trees and shrubs whose bare branches allow light to reach the soil in early spring. It is also well suited to forest gardens, shaded vegetable plots and collections of perennial culinary plants. Container cultivation is possible in a humus-rich growing medium kept consistently moist. The young leaves, flower buds and flowers are edible, while the spring blossom provides valuable resources for pollinating insects.
How to grow Allium ursinum successfully
Plant Allium ursinum in shade or partial shade, in fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive and well-drained soil similar to woodland conditions. Space plants 20 to 25 cm apart to achieve gradual ground coverage without excessive competition. Water regularly during establishment and in dry spring weather, then reduce watering once the foliage has died back. Apply a mulch of decomposed leaves to conserve moisture and enrich the soil. No deep cultivation or pruning is required. An annual application of mature compost is sufficient. Control unwanted seedlings and divide overcrowded colonies after flowering.
