Forelock

Forelock, a very odd and yet wonderful type of allium with tall, narrow twisted stems carrying round, deep green 8cm flowerheads which turn to wine colour in early summer.

As the blooms mature a tuft of red and white flowers rises from the top of the flower with the effect of a crazy lock of hair. Mature plants easily reach 100-120cm in height and it needs to be set where its tall size and unusual form can be appreciated. The leaves die back before the blooms mature but amongst other plants you will not see them. After flowering, the seedheads remain an ornament until the first frost. Suggestion: the upright grass, Calamagrostis x acutiflora, makes an exciting companion in perennial borders.