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Nectaroscordum siculum
Sicilian honey garlic
Southern France, Italy, Sicily, Turkey
Overview
Nectaroscordum siculum is Sicilian honey garlic (Mediterranean bells), a bulbous perennial growing 36-48 inches (90-120 cm) tall and 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) wide per bulb. Pendant bell-shaped flowers 1 inch (2.5 cm) in an umbel of 10-30 on a tall leafless stem in late spring (May-June) — each bell is pale greenish-cream flushed pink with a dark reddish-purple base, producing a tricolor effect. The pendant flowers turn erect as the straw-colored seed capsules develop in summer — the upright seed heads are a secondary structural feature. Medium green narrow keeled basal foliage 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) emerges in fall-winter and dies back before or during bloom — the flowering stem appears leafless at bloom time. In the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae spp.). Formerly classified as Allium siculum. The foliage has an onion-garlic scent when crushed. Self-seeds freely on well-drained soil — can become weedy in favorable conditions. Remove seed heads before they split to control spread. Plant bulbs 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) deep in fall. Native to southern France, Italy, Sicily, and Turkey, growing in damp woodlands, scrub, and rocky meadows. Tolerates chalky soil. Summer-dormant (the bulb rests after the foliage dies back). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant (allium-related). Drought-tolerant during summer dormancy. Full sun to partial shade. Zones 6-9. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to southern France, Italy, Sicily, and Turkey, growing in damp woodlands, scrub, and rocky meadows.Suggested Uses
Commonly planted among perennials and in mixed borders in zones 6-9 — the tall leafless flowering stem rises through companion plants. The tricolor pendant bells and the erect seed heads provide two-phase interest. Self-seeds. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread6" - 8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Late spring (May-June), lasting 2-3 weeks. Pendant bells in umbels of 10-30. The pendant flowers turn erect as seed capsules develop. Self-seeds freely. The foliage dies back before bloom.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale greenish-cream flushed pink with dark reddish-purple at the base; pendant bells 1 inch (2.5 cm); 10-30 per umbel on a tall stemFoliage Description
Medium green, narrow keeled, 12-18 inches (30-45 cm), basal; emerge in fall-winter; die back before or during bloom; onion-garlic scent when crushedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade. Well-drained soil — tolerates chalk. Plant bulbs 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) deep in fall. Self-seeds freely — remove seed heads to control spread. Foliage emerges fall-winter, dies back before bloom. Summer-dormant. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 6-9.Pruning
Remove seed heads in early summer (June-July) before they split if self-sowing control is desired. Leave the straw-colored erect seed heads for structural interest otherwise. Remove dead foliage when it collapses.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons