Description
Allium angulosum, known as mouse garlic, is a bulbous perennial with narrow, grass-like leaves. In summer it carries dense, rounded heads of pale pink flowers, about 5 cm across, that age to a darker purple-pink.
Mouse garlic at a glance
| Botanical name |
Allium angulosum |
| Common name |
Mouse garlic |
| Plant type |
Bulbous, clump-forming perennial; dies back in winter |
| Height and spread |
About 30–40 cm tall (flower stems up to 50 cm), 10–50 cm wide |
| Flowers |
Pale pink, ageing to purple-pink, in rounded heads about 5 cm across, in summer |
| Position |
Full sun, sheltered |
| Soil |
Moist but well-drained soil; not waterlogged in winter |
| Pond depth |
None – not for standing water or wet ground |
| Hardiness |
RHS H6 – hardy in a very cold winter (-20 to -15°C) |
| Native to |
Not UK native |
Is mouse garlic a pond plant?
No. In the wild it grows in damp floodplain meadows and tolerates seasonal flooding, but the RHS lists moist but well-drained soil and advises growing it in containers where heavy clay waterlogs in winter. Plant it in a sunny border near a pond, not in wet ground or water.
Is it good for wildlife?
Yes. It is on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list, and Gardeners' World says it attracts bees, butterflies and moths.
Is it poisonous?
It can harm pets: Gardeners' World lists it as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. It is not chives, so do not eat it. Watch for allium leaf miner, onion fly and onion white rot.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
