The large round flower heads of Allium nigrum contrast sharply with the long thin leaves of the ornamental grass Miscanthus ‘Morning Light” while the silvery color of the allium flower is echoed by the very fine white stipe in the grass blade. The allium blooms in late spring to early summer and then disappears but the grass remains beautiful all the through the year and in the fall produces attractive reddish brown flower heads that persist into the winter. Both plants do well in full sun and well-drained soil.
Miscanthus ‘Morning Light’
Tolerant of a wide range of soils and easy to grow, this ornamental grass is one of the best. The upright clumps slowly grow bigger and rarely flop, unlike many other tall grasses. The delicate silvery foliage flutters in the breeze and brings life to the garden from late spring until winter while the flower heads provide winter interest. Tolerates heat and humidity.
Bloom Time:
- Fall
Size:
- 4-6’ H x 2.5-4’ W
Hardiness:
- Zones 5-9
Allium nigrum (aka A. multibulbbosum)
The softball sized flower heads are flat-topped and are borne on stiff 24-26” long stems above gray green foliage that is usually dying back by the time the flower heads appear. The silvery, grayish-white florets composing the flower heads have a greenish-black ovary marking their centers. A native of the Mediterranean area, Allium nigrum is the oldest allium available and is considered an heirloom bulb.
Bloom Time:
- Late spring to early summer
Size:
- 2-3’ H x 1’ W
Hardiness:
- Zones 5-9
