Allium karataviense

Allium karataviense is an unusual low-growing allium, bearing huge globes of star-shaped, pink flowers with a darker eye, among broad, silver-green, fleshy leaves. It's perfect for growing in large clumps at the front of a sunny border or gravel garden, and makes a good cut flower. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

For best results, grow Allium karataviense in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Plant bulbs up to three times their diameter, in autumn. It's not fully hardy and in colder regions should be mulched, or planted in pots and moved to a frost free area in autumn.