Sicilian refers to the region, Honey speaks about the nectar secreted by the flowers, Garlic points out the family bonds. But there is not a single hint in the common name of Nectaroscordum siculum that might reveal the skunky smell the plant (especially its leaves) gives off when bruised. But who wants to intentionally injure the fancy twisted leaves of this exceptionally ornamental garlic to be repelled by the odour? Nobody. But everybody is or will be enchanted by the elegant air Nectaroscordum brings to every garden, even the smallest one. This species deserves our attention if we care for reliable, ornamental and unusual plants and want to look after them in the garden. Although the list of such individuals is long, why not start with Sicilian Honey Garlic?
Nectaroscordum siculum (or Allium siculum) grows in the South of Europe where its tall stems topped with an umbel of bell- shaped flowers appear in slightly shady areas. And they do it every late spring or early summer as the garlic is a long-lived perennial. The underground bulbs produce new leaves and flowering stems every year. The stems are quite tall (1.2m/4 ft) and although the flowers are not brightly coloured, the combination of olive green, cream white and maroon tones is really impressive, especially a gracefully drooping one. And all the flowers behave that way until the moment when they start to produce seeds. Then all of them stop being shy and began to face the sky as if they were proud of bearing so many fertile seeds. Probably they are.
Sicilian Honey Garlic grows well in every decent garden soil providing it is well-drained. The bulbs do not like too much humidity although they need a lot of water while growing and producing flowers. Plant the bulbs in early autumn in a well lit location. The plants grow well in partial shade too. Do not be worried by the twisted leaves appearing early spring the following year. They are not infected by nematodes or other dangerous pests; those are just healthy leaves heralding the arrival of tall flowering stems.
When the cycle is finished and all the seeds are scattered around the garden, the leaves disappear and the dry flowering stems would like to vanish too, but they cannot. However, we can use them as dry ornamental elements for indoor decorations where they will last forever.
The empty space left by the disappeared plant could be refilled with annual ornamentals. But plant them there with due caution in order not to harm the perennial bulbs residing in the soil below.
The slightly nasty smell produced by Sicilian Honey Garlic can be an asset especially in the gardens infested with merciless rodents. They just abhor the odour and try to find a less fragrant areas in the garden. To make the process more difficult for them, we can plant a bunch of bulbs of Nectaroscordum here and there and thus save other precious plants from being damaged by the pests.
Sicilian Honey Garlic grows well in every decent garden soil providing it is well-drained. The bulbs do not like too much humidity although they need a lot of water while growing and producing flowers. Plant the bulbs in early autumn in a well lit location. The plants grow well in partial shade too. Do not be worried by the twisted leaves appearing early spring the following year. They are not infected by nematodes or other dangerous pests; those are just healthy leaves heralding the arrival of tall flowering stems.
When the cycle is finished and all the seeds are scattered around the garden, the leaves disappear and the dry flowering stems would like to vanish too, but they cannot. However, we can use them as dry ornamental elements for indoor decorations where they will last forever.
The empty space left by the disappeared plant could be refilled with annual ornamentals. But plant them there with due caution in order not to harm the perennial bulbs residing in the soil below.
The slightly nasty smell produced by Sicilian Honey Garlic can be an asset especially in the gardens infested with merciless rodents. They just abhor the odour and try to find a less fragrant areas in the garden. To make the process more difficult for them, we can plant a bunch of bulbs of Nectaroscordum here and there and thus save other precious plants from being damaged by the pests.
Jarek
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