A member of the Allium family, Nectaroscordum will flourish in a sunny or partially shaded spot in fertile, well-drained soil.

Nectaroscordum look spectacular in late spring borders with their tall flowerheads soaring above lower-growing plants.

1. If planting on heavy clay soil, dig in a good compost mixed with horticultural grit to improve drainage.

2. Using a trowel or bulb planter, dig holes around 15cm deep, spaced 25cm apart.

3. Place a bulb in each hole, with the pointed tip facing upwards. On heavy soils, it’s a good idea to place a handful of grit at the bottom of the hole before adding the bulb.

4. For the best impact, plant in large groups.

1. Choose a deep container with good drainage holes. Place crocks (pieces of broken pot) at the bottom of the pot to cover the drainage holes and stop them clogging up with compost.

2. Put a layer of good quality compost in the pot, then place the bulbs on the compost with the pointed tips facing upwards. Bulbs can be planted closer together than in the ground, but make sure they are not touching each other.

3. Cover with around 20cm of compost. Water well to settle the compost.

4. Place the pot in a sheltered, sunny spot.

1. Leave the foliage to die naturally to allow the plants to build up food stores in the bulbs for next year’s flowers.

2. Lift and divided overgrown clumps after the flowers and foliage have died back.

Watch out for onion white rot, downy mildew and onion fly. Remove and dispose of any affected leaves, and destroy severely affected plants.