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Image of
the lovely
Allium sativum ophioscorodon or Variegated Serpent Garlic coming soon...
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Allium sativum ophioscorodon
(Hardneck
Garlic, Rocambole, Variegated Serpent Garlic) |
Family:
Alliaceae
Light: Sun-part shade
Height: 4'
Spread: 12-15"
Blooms: Showy, fragrant terminally coiled on top of tall
stems, in Summer
Foliage:
Variegated, smooth, herbaceous, flavorful
Soil: Well-drained, sandy, loamy with organic compost added, dry/moist
Water: Regular, water well in Summer
Fertilizer: Liquid fertilizer during growing season
Uses: Bedding, borders, mass planting, container
Propagation: Offset bulb division in the Fall (plant fairly deep)
Comments: Allium sativum ophioscorodon or
Hardneck Garlic
or
Rocambole
or Variegated Serpent Garlic is a herbaceous perennial bulb
plant with an exotic display. In Summer, it produces ornamental
blossoms are hermaphrodite, have both male and female organs. The
flowers of Allium sativum ophioscorodon appear terminally and are very
showy and fragrant. Initially the stems are coiled,
resemlance of a
serpent's neck,
then they uncoil themselves and send upward shoots. Bees are very
much attracted to the blooms which help in the pollination.
Variegated Serpent Garlic is easily propagated from bulbs.
Hardneck Garlic
is cold hardy and is tolerant of freezing temperatures. It thrives
in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil and it prefers morning sun
and then enjoy shade in the afternoon.
Propagate bulbs in the Fall
and harvest them in Summer next season.
Allium sativum ophioscorodon look very lovely when grown in masses in the perennial bedding or
borders or in containers to accent the patio or deck or bring plant
indoors. Rocambole
is a very useful plant; the flowers, bulbs and leaves are added to salad
or cooked as a vegetable.
Many of the Chinese culinary dishes have garlic flavoring in them; I was
told eating garlic helps digestion and keeps mosquitoes at bay because
of your garlicky-smelling sweat. Garlic has medicinal values and
is beneficial especially for diabetics, and those with circulatory
problems. It help detoxify lead posioning and also used externally as an
antiseptic for wound. garlic; it is said to possess anti-cancer
properties as well. You can have an effective homemade
insecticide for your garden by mixing 3 tablespoonful of chopped garlic
with 2 tablespoons of grated soap in a litre of boiling water then allow
to cool before using. If you have rodents in your garden, growing
some garlic around your plants will keep them at bay. Avoid growing
garlic around beans as it will stunt their growth. I have some growing
around my rose bushes and the insects do not bother them. Fruits tend to last longer with some garlic
bulbs added to them.
USDA Hardiness Zones : 4-9 |
