Allium moly

Allium moly, often called Golden Garlic, is a cheerful little allium that lights up the late spring to early summer garden with clusters of starry, bright yellow flowers. It’s ideal for weaving through borders, edging paths, planting in gravel gardens, or naturalising in more informal areas where it can gently spread and form sunny drifts over time. The grey-green, strap-like foliage has a light oniony scent when crushed (handy if you’re trying to politely discourage the odd nibble!), and the flowers are a magnet for pollinators.

A brilliant “gap-filler” plant that’s easy, reliable, and wonderfully bright.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant in spring, once the soil is warming and workable. Avoid planting during periods of hard frost or when the ground is waterlogged.

Where to Plant:
Choose a spot in full sun (or light shade) with well-drained soil. Allium moly is ideal for mixed borders, rock and gravel gardens, path edges and naturalising in informal planting schemes.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant at the same depth as in the pot (or with the crown level with the soil surface).
• Spacing: Space 15–25 cm (6–10 inches) apart for a fuller clump effect.
• Soil Prep: If soil is heavy, add grit to improve drainage. Avoid very rich, wet soil.

Watering:
Water well after planting. Keep lightly watered while establishing, then water only during prolonged dry spells. Allium moly prefers not to sit in wet soil.

Aftercare Tips:

• Deadhead if you want to prevent seeding, or leave seed heads if you’d like it to naturalise.
• Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering to feed the bulb/perennial for next year.
• Lift and divide clumps every 3–4 years if they become crowded.

Top Tip:
Allium moly is fantastic planted in drifts through the front of borders. Pair it with blue and purple spring flowers for a brilliant colour contrast, or tuck it into gravel for a natural, low-maintenance look.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:

May - June

Height:
8–12" (20–30cm)

Position:
Full sun / light shade

Hardy Perennial