Allium heldreichii

Allium heldreichii is a bulbous species native to the mountains of Greece (notably Mount Olympus, the Pindus range and Mount Giona), growing in open woodland and on rocky ledges at moderate altitude. An upright stem bears a dense umbel of pinkish-purple, star-shaped flowers in summer. Rarely seen in general cultivation, it is valued by collectors of rock garden and rare bulbous plants. It grows in full sun, well-drained soil, and tolerates the summer drought typical of Greek mountains well.