Allium sphaerocephalon

The Roundheaded Leek, named by Linnaeus 1753.  A very inexpensive bulb which packs quite a punch! A summer flowering Allium with rather egg shaped heads, initially completely deep green, but beginning with a purple tip the whole head turns deep reddish purple, about 24" (60cm)tall. The intermediate state with purple and green is I think the most interesting. Insects love them and a small thicket is a great sight adding colour, movement and interest. The shape goes well with some of the similarly spiky Sea Hollies.