Allium altissimum

An early-flowering, deciduous, bulbous perennial producing short-lived, strap-shaped mid-green foliage and spherical heads of purple-pink flowers on straight stems to 1.1m (44in) tall. The foliage is often wilting and turning brown when the flowers appear, and for best visual effect the bulbs should be sited so that adjacent plants grow to conceal the leaves as they die back. The flowers are extremely attractive to bees and other pollinating insects, making the plant a wonderful addition to a wildlife garden.