Allium angulosum - Mouse Garlic, Pond Edge & Border Plant

Allium angulosum, known as mouse garlic, is a bulbous perennial with narrow, grass-like leaves. In summer it carries dense, rounded heads of pale pink flowers, about 5 cm across, that age to a darker purple-pink.

Mouse garlic at a glance

Botanical name	Allium angulosum
Common name	Mouse garlic
Plant type	Bulbous, clump-forming perennial; dies back in winter
Height and spread	About 30–40 cm tall (flower stems up to 50 cm), 10–50 cm wide
Flowers	Pale pink, ageing to purple-pink, in rounded heads about 5 cm across, in summer
Position	Full sun, sheltered
Soil	Moist but well-drained soil; not waterlogged in winter
Pond depth	None – not for standing water or wet ground
Hardiness	RHS H6 – hardy in a very cold winter (-20 to -15°C)
Native to	Not UK native

Is mouse garlic a pond plant?

No. In the wild it grows in damp floodplain meadows and tolerates seasonal flooding, but the RHS lists moist but well-drained soil and advises growing it in containers where heavy clay waterlogs in winter. Plant it in a sunny border near a pond, not in wet ground or water.

Is it good for wildlife?

Yes. It is on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list, and Gardeners' World says it attracts bees, butterflies and moths.

Is it poisonous?

It can harm pets: Gardeners' World lists it as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. It is not chives, so do not eat it. Watch for allium leaf miner, onion fly and onion white rot.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.