Allium perdulce

[Afloden]

 Here are some photos of a rare midwestern Allium from Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas, but far from common within that large area. It is mostly restricted to Dakota sandstone formations which greatly decreases the suitable habitat area, but fortunately it can also be found in another loess type soil in western Kansas that is sticky wet 'gumbo clay' in the spring and powdery water resistant dirt in the summer.

 The photos are cultivated plants growing in sandy red clay of eastern Tennessee and seem quite happy. They are blooming here in TN at the same time that I saw them in bloom in the wild in central Kansas in April 2006 and 2007. The fragrance is intense and can be smelled before the plant is seen, reminiscent of Dianthus superbus.

 Aaron Floden
 Knoxville, TN


 

[Maggi Young]

A strong colour, matched with a strong scent.... what could be nicer? a quality plant, Aaron!

[Paul T]

Great looking Allium.  its a genus I've never really had much to do with, but it seems to have such a range of colours, sizes, scents and environmental requirements.  I can see why people get addicted to them.

[Carlo]

It's a really small one too, if I recall correctly...

[Jim McKenney]

I judged a small rock garden show earlier this year in May. Among the exhibits was the pan shown in the accompanying image. I was not about to let the other judges move on until they had awarded this one a blue. Few people seem to know about this species. The fragrance is delightful.

[art600]

Jim

I take it Blue is First - here it is Red

[Carlo]

Yes, blue here IS first place. Fine pan of a great small onion. We planted it in the open ground in the rock garden at The New York Botanical Garden. Don't know if it's still coming back or not...

I'll plant it again if I can get my hands on it!