Roundheaded Leek

(Allium sphaerocephalon)

Roundheaded Leek (Allium sphaerocephalon)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Allium sphaerocephalon image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Allium sphaerocephalon, commonly known as Roundheaded Leek or Drumstick Allium, is a deciduous perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including grasslands, open fields, and rocky outcrops in Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of Western Asia. It typically forms clumps of narrow, grass-like leaves and produces egg-shaped bulbs. The plant reaches a height of up to 60-90 cm (24-35 inches) and is known for its distinctive flower heads.

The flowers of Roundheaded Leek are borne on a scape up to 50 cm in height, forming a dense, spherical to egg-shaped umbel, 1–6 cm in diameter. Each umbel consists of numerous small, tightly packed flowers that bloom in summer, typically in July. The individual flowers are reddish-purple and highly attractive to pollinators. The plant’s showy flowers and vertical form make it a popular choice for adding visual interest to borders and ornamental gardens. Roundheaded Leek thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires low maintenance, making it suitable for xeriscaping. However, gardeners should be aware of its potential to self-seed and become invasive, especially as it can produce bulbils in place of flowers. To prevent unwanted spread, deadheading after flowering is recommended.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple, Pink
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to grasslands, open fields, and rocky outcrops in Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of Western Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Round-Headed Garlic, Ball-Head Onion, Drumstick Allium, Middelhavs-Prydløg, Kugelköpfiger Lauch, Klotlök

Scientific Names: , Allium sphaerocephalon, Allium sphaerocephalon var. pygmaeum, Porrum sphaerocephalon, Allium densiflorum, Allium gherardii, Allium sphaerocephalon subsp. descendens, Allium sphaerocephalon var. typicum, Allium veronense, Porrum sphaerocephaluon,

GBIF Accepted Name: Allium sphaerocephalon L.