Nectaroscordum (Allium siculum) (Pack of 12)

Allium siculum (syn. Nectaroscordum siculum)

Add elegance and exotic flair to your late spring garden with the whimsical beauty of Nectaroscordum siculum, also known as Mediterranean Bells. These enchanting bulbs produce clusters of bell-shaped flowers in muted shades of ivory, green, and pinkish-maroon, arching gracefully from tall, slender stems before rising upright as they go to seed. Easy to grow, deer-resistant, and beloved by pollinators, it offers ornamental charm and ecological benefit in one striking package.

• USDA Zones: 5–10
• Bloom Time: Late Spring/Early Summer
• Height: 36"
• Planting Depth/Spacing: 5"/1–2"
• Deer Resistant: Yes

With its tall floral stalks and pendulous, umbrella-like clusters of bell-shaped blooms, it makes a unique architectural statement in perennial beds, borders, and naturalized plantings. Its color-shifting florets and upward-twisting seed heads create dynamic visual movement throughout the season, making this an unforgettable addition to your spring bulb collection.

Description of Allium siculum (Nectaroscordum)

Allium siculum, also known as Nectaroscordum siculum, belongs to the diverse Allium family, though its flower form is quite distinct from the globe-shaped heads typical of ornamental onions. The hanging bell-shaped florets open in late spring in soft hues of cream, rose, and pale green, with subtle maroon striping for added visual texture. The flowers dangle from arched pedicels in loose umbels, giving the plant its “Mediterranean Bells” nickname.

Following bloom, the stems twist upward, holding seed pods aloft in a sculptural display that persists into summer. This evolving form offers extended ornamental interest, even after the initial floral display fades.

Growing Allium siculum Bulbs

These bulbs are exceptionally easy to grow and thrive in a variety of soil types and conditions. Their drought tolerance, pest resistance, and adaptability make them an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens and xeriscapes.

Climate and Soil Requirements

This variety is hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 10, performing best in well-drained soil and full to partial sun. In regions with heavy or compacted soils, add compost or sand to improve drainage and prevent bulb rot. These bulbs can tolerate a range of pH levels and are well-suited to both formal beds and naturalistic landscapes.

Planting Time and Depth

Plant bulbs in the fall, 4–6 weeks before the first hard frost. Set them 5 inches deep and space them 1 to 2 inches apart. Point the tapered end of the bulb upward and backfill with loose soil. For maximum visual impact, plant in drifts or tight clusters of five or more bulbs.

Sunlight and Watering

Nectaroscordum prefers full sun but will tolerate light shade, particularly in hotter climates. Water lightly after planting and only during dry spells in spring. Once established, these bulbs are drought-tolerant and thrive with minimal supplemental moisture.

Care and Maintenance

Foliage emerges early in spring and will begin to yellow as the flowers bloom—this is normal and part of the bulb’s life cycle. Allow the foliage to die back naturally to replenish the bulb’s energy reserves for next year’s bloom. The seed heads can be left standing for added texture or harvested for dried arrangements.

Multiple High-Quality Brands for Greater Choice

At Grow Organic, we proudly offer Nectaroscordum (Allium siculum) bulbs from a carefully curated selection of trusted brands. By partnering with multiple premium growers, we ensure our customers enjoy a broader range of bulb sizes, origins, and growing practices—including sustainable and organic options.

This expanded selection means you can choose the best product for your gardening style, whether you’re designing a pollinator garden, formal border, or cutting garden. More options mean more flexibility and value for every gardener—so you can plant with confidence and creativity.

Benefits of Planting Nectaroscordum siculum

• Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and other beneficial insects during a key transition between spring and summer bloom cycles.
• Deer and Rodent Resistant: Emits a mild onion fragrance that naturally repels common garden pests.
• Low Maintenance: Drought tolerant and pest resistant with minimal care requirements.
• Extended Visual Interest: Decorative seed heads provide architectural value even after flowering ends.
• Unusual Form: Offers a distinctive bell-flower silhouette unlike any other allium species.

Design Ideas and Landscape Uses

Plant Allium siculum bulbs in informal drifts along pathways, at the back of borders, or as accents in cottage gardens and pollinator meadows. Their soft color tones and natural elegance blend well with ornamental grasses, iris, and low-growing perennials like geranium and nepeta. For a more modern effect, plant in repetitive rows or staggered clusters along garden edges or minimalist beds.

Because of their vertical height and unique bloom shape, these bulbs provide striking contrast when paired with spherical alliums, upright foxgloves, or cascading ground covers. Add them to cutting gardens for unexpected elegance in fresh or dried arrangements.

Complementing Other Bulbs

Nectaroscordum siculum pairs beautifully with other spring bloomers. Combine with late tulips, Spanish bluebells, or allium ‘Purple Sensation’ for a layered look in both color and form. Its height also makes it a strong backdrop for shorter flowers like anemones or fritillaries, creating depth and rhythm in mixed beds.

As summer perennials fill in, the fading nectaroscrodum foliage becomes less visible, ensuring continued beauty throughout the growing season.

Historical Context and Botanical Significance

Native to the Mediterranean basin, Allium siculum (also referred to as Nectaroscordum siculum) has been admired since antiquity for its unique floral architecture and resilience. Sometimes called Sicilian Honey Garlic, it shares the same genus as onions and garlic, though it is cultivated solely for its ornamental value.

In historic gardens, it was used both for its beauty and its reputed ability to deter pests. Today, garden designers value nectaroscordum for its distinctive style, long bloom time, and ability to transition gracefully from bloom to seed, providing multi-season interest and a touch of whimsy to modern landscapes.

Explore even more seasonal color for your garden with our Pollinator Flowers.