September Perennial of the Month-Garlic chive
One of the oldest continuously grown herb crops, this Southeast Asian native is well known as a culinary herb. Still, many great cooks may not know that garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) are a stunning perennial if left to bloom.
Garlic chives differ from their even more well-known cousin, chives (Allium schoenoprasum), with flat, grass-like leaves and white blooms versus the round stems and purple blooms of classic chives.
Growing 1.5-2’ high, garlic chive is a clump-forming member of the Allium family that spreads mainly by being a PROLIFIC reseeder! The clumps can stay neat if you dead-head them as soon as they finish blooming. You might think you have plenty of time once the pure white flowers start to fade in early fall, but the tiny black seeds ripen fast and can take over your entire garden.
Like other members of the Allium family, they need well-drained soil and full sun, but garlic chives will tolerate part shade with reduced blooming.
What I love about this plant;
-No serious pests or diseases.
-Drought tolerant.
-Great pollinator plant.
-Late-season bloomer.
-Pure, bright white blooms.
-Edible as a spice.
-Black walnut tolerant.
-Deer, rabbit-, and chicken-tolerant.
– 3,000 to 4,000 years of culinary history in China.
What’s not so great;
-Will reseed prolifically if not deadheaded. Timing is crucial right after the flowers fade. The seed capsules can start releasing black seeds while still green, so don’t delay. IF you want a sterile bloomer that won’t reseed, try the similar allium, Millenium with its colorful purple flowers.
August Perennial of the Month-Millenium Allium –
-As adorable as the flowers are, they do not make a great indoor cut flower due to the strong, onion fragrance. If using in arrangements, keep them outside.
-Well-drained soil is key-do not overwater or plant in moist soil.
-Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com
Words and photos by Jo Batzer
© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2026, All rights reserved.
