Allium angulosum

Common Names

Mouse Garlic, Chives, Wild Chives, Kantiger Lauch, Rysslök

Summary

Mouse garlic is a bulbous, clump-forming perennial native to damp meadows from Europe to Siberia. It grows to about 30–45 cm in height with green leaves that stay green year-round and flowering stems bearing dense, hemispherical umbels in midsummer, with pinkish-purple to white flowers; umbels are about 5 cm across. Foliage is fragrant and forms attractive clumps that attract bees.

Easily grown in sunny positions with moist, well-drained soil; bulbs planted fairly deeply; tolerates heavy soils and light shade; hardy to UK zone 5; edible bulbs and leaves raw or cooked, with flowers used as garnish; propagation by seed in spring or by division; suitable for cut flowers and borders, gravel gardens, wildlife gardens, cottage/informal gardens, patios, and city/courtyard plantings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-20 inches

Spread

4-20 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates semi-shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil.

Soil pH

6.5

Bloom Color

Pale lilac to purple

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Average growth rate, 2–5 years

Seasons of Interest

All four seasons

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators