Geisha Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum 'Geisha')

Geisha Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum 'Geisha') bring culinary usefulness and late-season flowers to the garden. The grass-like foliage offers a mild garlic-and-onion flavor, while fragrant white flower clusters brighten plantings from late summer into fall. Both the foliage and flowers are edible.

This perennial herb works well in rock gardens, grouped plantings, groundcover areas, and containers. It is an aggressive grower, so choose a location where spreading is welcome or use a container to keep the planting manageable.

Growing details

• Plant type: Perennial culinary herb
• Mature size: 1–1.5 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide
• Spacing: Approximately 1.5 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–9
• Light: Full sun to part sun; light afternoon shade is helpful in Southern gardens
• Soil: Dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil
• Flowers: White, from late summer into fall

Care and garden use

Geisha Garlic Chives are low maintenance when planted in well-drained soil. Avoid overly wet conditions, which can cause bulb rot. Watch for mildew, rust, leaf spot, and occasional thrips. Pair with switchgrass, Russian sage, or stonecrop for contrasting textures.

Image credit: Prides Corner, Allium tuberosum 'Geisha'. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.