Allium 'Gladiator'

 Allium 'Gladiator is from the same cross as 'Lucy Ball', this is another Allium elatum
x A. aflatunense cross. The colossal crop of buds holds promise for the sphere of 
purple that's forthcoming atop a 4' stem.  The bold, shiny green foliage shows close
affinity with A. elatum.  In the photo below, we can see that this cultivar is very early
with exuberantly robust green foliage.  Unfortunately, the foliage begins to dry up
just as the flowers begin to expand, so it needs to have companion planting
 at it's base (Geranium sanguineum 'Album' works well for this purpose) to help
conceal the unsightly drying foliage..

Photos by Mark McDonough
(taken May, 2002)

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