Three Cornered Leek  - Allium triquetrum - €6 per plant or 4 bulbs 

 This shade loving perennial bulbous plant can grow prolifically in the right environment. It won't survive outside in a Bulgarian winter unless it has a favourable micro climate but can be grown in pots providing year round tasty greens and bulbs. The leaves have an unusual triangulated appearance and the flowers are very attractive to bees and emerge in the spring. Being from the Allium family it is said to be a good companion plant in the garden. To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: E.Asia ?
  • native habitat: Hedge banks and waste places on damp soils
  • family: Alliaceae

Predators

  • We have not come across any pest or predation for this plant in our garden 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 10
  • Prefers dry or moist soil
  • Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer


Known hazards 

  • Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in very large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible
  • Can be invasive

Overview

  • Bulbous perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). ​
  • In flower from April to June
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees and other insects.
  • The plant is self-fertile. 
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. 
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
  • Can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. 
  • It prefers moist soil.

Characteristics

  • form: Bulbous perennial 
  • layer : Ground Layer
  • habit: Clumping bulbous plant, spreading  
  • height x width (m): 0.4 x 0.3
  • years to bearing yield: 0-1 year  
  • productive life span: Indefinite 

Products 

  • Bulbs: Can be harvested when the leaves die back in summer
  • Leaf: leek substitute. 
  • Flowers: Flowers eaten raw. Juicy with a mild garlic flavor
  • Repellant:  A spray made from the juice of the plants is said to repel insects and moths

Functions, behaviours

  • Bulbous growth spreading if undisturbed 
  • A very ornamental plant, it grows well as an edging plant in the flower garden
  • Flowers in summer 
  • Thought to improve the taste of carrots, tomatoes and grapes. May be beneficial to roses but it inhibits the growth of legumes.
  • The seeds have an oil-bearing appendage which is attractive to ants. The ants carry the seed away to eat the oil and then discard the seed, thus aiding dispersal of the plant.
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project