PL. —Allium angulosumBotanical illustration — drop image
Allium angulosum

Mouse Garlic

Summer
3a9bHardiness zone
Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks
Winter
Not in bloom
Spring
Not in bloom
Summer
Peak bloom
Fall
Not in bloom
Peak bloom
In bloom
Background

Native to the damp meadows of central Europe and Siberia, mouse garlic is a clump-forming ornamental onion with slender, grass-like foliage and airy, globe-shaped umbels of pale pink-to-lilac flowers that darken with age, blooming in mid to late summer above the foliage. Unlike most ornamental alliums, it genuinely tolerates — even prefers — the wet, heavy soil that causes bulb rot in drier-loving species.

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators visit the flowers heavily. It's a good pick for a rain garden edge or any moist spot where standard drought-loving alliums would struggle.

Care guide
SunFull sun
WaterModerate to high; tolerates wet soil
SoilMoist to wet, heavy soils tolerated
Spacing8–10 in
Height12–18 in
Zone3a – 9b
Seasonal tasks
spring
watchConfirm the planting site stays consistently moist; this allium tolerates wetter soil than most.
summer
watchEnjoy globe-shaped clusters of pink-lilac flowers darkening with age as pollinators visit.
cutDeadhead spent flower heads if self-seeding beyond the planting isn't wanted.
Common problems

White Rust

Symptoms

White, blister-like pustules on the undersides of leaves with yellow spots on the upper surface; severe infections distort leaves and stems.

Treatment

Remove and destroy infected leaves, improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and rotate brassicas to a new bed each year.