This is allium senescens. I bought it unlabeled at a plant sale four or five years ago and have since divided it up and placed it in every impossible spot in my yard--sunny spots in my super-sandy soil that are drained to a crisp by large trees.
No complaints, ever. This is not a bulbous allium, but a clump-former that's best divided with a shovel. The flowers are numerous but by no means spectacular, in a ghostly purple-white color. However, the strappy foliage and round shape of the plant are just nifty, offering crisp contrast to everything else in my borders.
Oh how cute! Anemic agapanthus!
Posted by: Elizabeth S. | July 30, 2010 at 09:42 AM
Alas, those won't grow in the Northeast.
Posted by: Michele Owens | July 30, 2010 at 09:48 AM
Many alliums are great for the upper Hudson valley climate. One of my favorites especially the smaller "drumstick" dwarf varieties.
The TROLL
Posted by: greg draiss | July 30, 2010 at 10:35 AM
I looked at your blog as I do every morning and
lo and behold , I see the plant that I have growing
in my garden that just showed up! I figured
it was some sort of an allium and it must have
been mixed in with some drumstick allium I
ordered from a nursery. Thanks for the identification!
Love the plant and love happy accidents in the
garden!
Posted by: Pat T | July 30, 2010 at 11:05 AM
Had me scared for a minute - thought you were praising the dreaded Agapanthus, cliché landscape plant and freeway denizen that assaults my sensibilities everywhere in CA.
Posted by: NoCal native gardener | July 30, 2010 at 12:31 PM
I think the flowers are cute! Understated, but still attractive.
Posted by: Kaviani | July 30, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Oooh, I love allium, and this one looks awesome!
Posted by: Mimi | July 30, 2010 at 12:55 PM
This would be beautiful at my lake house. I was looking for something that will look great by the lake yet, allow use to enjoy the flowers. I love the dark green leaves, too.
Posted by: Donna | July 30, 2010 at 06:02 PM
I just posted a "Name this Plant" request on my blog and then strolled by the Garden Rant. Lo and behold, spooky! http://www.thegardenbuzz.com/2010/07/name-that-allium-plant-id-help-please.html
Posted by: Rhonda | July 31, 2010 at 02:26 PM
I too bought this at a plant sale (Boston suburb)and it was labeled "Siberian Chives".
Posted by: Betsy | August 01, 2010 at 06:52 AM
You always have a wealth of information to share. I really like your site.
Posted by: Stacy | August 01, 2010 at 11:33 AM
This reminds me of the monkey grass that grew in my grandmothers yard. I always liked it.
Posted by: Joan | August 01, 2010 at 03:06 PM
You might think that people can grow anything in their yards. This is not so, I must have the brownest thumb of all because I can not get anything to stay alive. I have been reading books and books about it, maybe this will help. I would love for my place to look like yours.
Posted by: Karen | August 02, 2010 at 03:47 PM
I would buy this from a garage sale if I saw some there. I think it is very nice. It is so healthy looking.
Posted by: Larry | August 03, 2010 at 10:48 PM
This allium showed up in my garden too, and I'm glad I didn't weed it out. I really like it and plan to divide it and move it into another garden bed where it would fit very well. Thanks to your post, at last I know which allium it is.
Posted by: Yvonne @ Country Gardener | August 04, 2010 at 01:01 PM
You have a great green thumb. I would like my house to have these kinds of plants in my yard. They look nice.
Posted by: Alex | August 05, 2010 at 06:28 PM
I know I'm going to be in the minority here but this plant is driving me nuts. I'm ready to pull mine up. Everything hides under the leaves. Every time i go to water or do anything close some creature pops out and gives me a scare.
Posted by: SHCTammie | August 06, 2010 at 11:13 AM