Allium triquetrum
Allium triquetrum · Amaryllidaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant allium triquetrum: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Type
- Perennial bulb
- Flowering
- April to June, white flowers streaked with pink
- Mature height
- 30 to 40 cm
- Foliage
- Deciduous, dark green, characteristic triangular leaves
- Hardiness
- Hardy, down to -10 °C
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin and North Africa
- Growth
- Fast and vigorous
Care
Light exposure
Three-cornered leek prefers a sunny to partially shaded location. Bright exposure promotes abundant flowering and vigorous foliage. It also tolerates partially shaded areas under deciduous trees.
Soil
Plant it in well-draining, light to moderately rich soil. Universal potting mix combined with sand or gravel works perfectly. Avoid chronic waterlogging which could rot the bulbs.
Watering
Water moderately during active growth (autumn to spring). In summer, after foliage dies back, reduce or stop watering. The bulb stores water and dreads excess moisture during dormancy.
Fertilizing
Apply diluted balanced fertilizer at the beginning of spring, before flowering. One application is enough to support vegetation. Excessive applications favor foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and cutting
Remove faded flowers to boost bulb vigor. Let the foliage dry naturally after flowering before removing it. Never cut the foliage before it yellows.
Diseases and pests
Three-cornered leek is not very susceptible to diseases. Watch for bulb rot if there is excessive winter moisture. Mealybugs and spider mites can occasionally affect foliage indoors.
Did you know?
Three-cornered leek owes its name to its distinctly unique leaves: they form a triangular cross-section unparalleled in the Allium genus. Native to the Mediterranean Basin, it has naturalized in coastal zones and Mediterranean gardens where it self-seeds easily, gradually colonizing rocky and sunny spaces.
Where to buy it
Plant the bulbs in autumn for spring flowering. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from September to November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- RamsonsAllium ursinum
- ChivesAllium schoenoprasum
- Sand leekAllium scorodoprasum
- Elephant garlicAllium ampeloprasum
- OnionAllium cepa
- Belladonna lilyAmaryllis belladonna
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.