Three-cornered leek - Allium triquetrum
Please note: Allium triquetrum is classed as an invasive species in the UK and it is an offence to plant it, or dump it, in nature. When we supply seeds or bulbs of this plant, it is on the understanding that they are to going to be planted responsibly in a private garden.
Allium triquetrum is native to south-western Europe, north-western Africa, Madeira, and the Canary Islands, where it grows in meadows, woodland clearings, river banks and roadside verges. Although a native of warmer regions, it also thrives in more northern climes and has become established in many sites across the British Isles. It can become invasive, therefore care should be taken when disposing of unneeded plant material.
An attractive plant, it forms dense clumps of glossy green leaves in winter and spring with white flowers appearing from late winter which can be mistaken for the white form of bluebell. It is low growing, only reaching about 40 cm in height. Its name (both scientific and common) comes from the fact that the leaves and stems are triangular in cross-section (the keeled leaves are a good way of differentiating the plant from bluebells, which it often grows among).
Like most alliums, all parts of the plant are edible. Leaves can be eaten raw and remain tender even as they get older. The flowers make a fine addition to a salad and have a crisp texture and a fresh garlicky taste. Bulbs can also be eaten. Although they are small, they can be harvested in good quantities once clumps are established.
Allium triquetrum is a good allium for naturalising as part of a forest garden as it is hardy, grows well in dappled shade and needs little attention. Clumps will expand year on year and it will also self-seed. Alliums generally grow well with most plants, especially roses, fruit bushes, carrots, celery, celariac, beet and chamomile, but they inhibit the growth of legumes.
Sowing and growing
Seeds are best sown in trays or pots, 0.5 cm deep, from November to February, either outdoors or in an unheated frame or greenhouse. At other times of the year seeds will need 4-6 weeks cold stratification.
Propagation
This allium species will self-seed prolifically if left to its own devices (Which is why it is classed as an invasive species in many areas outside its natural range).
Bulb clusters can be dug up, divided and replanted (or eaten) in summer and autumn.After lifting, bulbs can be replanted immediately, or if left to dry out for a couple of weeks can be stored in the fridge or somewhere cool for several weeks more (wrap in paper). They can be planted directly in the ground from August to November, 5-10 cm deep and 10-15cm apart. They can also be planted closer together in large pots (this way they can be kept as patio or doorstep plants for handy fresh greens when there is little else growing).
Allium triquetrum is native to south-western Europe, north-western Africa, Madeira, and the Canary Islands, where it grows in meadows, woodland clearings, river banks and roadside verges. Although a native of warmer regions, it also thrives in more northern climes and has become established in many sites across the British Isles. It can become invasive, therefore care should be taken when disposing of unneeded plant material.
An attractive plant, it forms dense clumps of glossy green leaves in winter and spring with white flowers appearing from late winter which can be mistaken for the white form of bluebell. It is low growing, only reaching about 40 cm in height. Its name (both scientific and common) comes from the fact that the leaves and stems are triangular in cross-section (the keeled leaves are a good way of differentiating the plant from bluebells, which it often grows among).
Like most alliums, all parts of the plant are edible. Leaves can be eaten raw and remain tender even as they get older. The flowers make a fine addition to a salad and have a crisp texture and a fresh garlicky taste. Bulbs can also be eaten. Although they are small, they can be harvested in good quantities once clumps are established.
Allium triquetrum is a good allium for naturalising as part of a forest garden as it is hardy, grows well in dappled shade and needs little attention. Clumps will expand year on year and it will also self-seed. Alliums generally grow well with most plants, especially roses, fruit bushes, carrots, celery, celariac, beet and chamomile, but they inhibit the growth of legumes.
Sowing and growing
Seeds are best sown in trays or pots, 0.5 cm deep, from November to February, either outdoors or in an unheated frame or greenhouse. At other times of the year seeds will need 4-6 weeks cold stratification.
Propagation
This allium species will self-seed prolifically if left to its own devices (Which is why it is classed as an invasive species in many areas outside its natural range).
Bulb clusters can be dug up, divided and replanted (or eaten) in summer and autumn.After lifting, bulbs can be replanted immediately, or if left to dry out for a couple of weeks can be stored in the fridge or somewhere cool for several weeks more (wrap in paper). They can be planted directly in the ground from August to November, 5-10 cm deep and 10-15cm apart. They can also be planted closer together in large pots (this way they can be kept as patio or doorstep plants for handy fresh greens when there is little else growing).
