Wild Garlic Bulbs (Allium ursinum)

Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum), also known as Ramsons, is one of the most distinctive spring plants of British woodland — dense, lush green foliage emerging from late winter, followed by bright white starry flowers from April through to June. When in leaf, the plants fill shaded areas with a rich, fresh garlic scent that drifts through woodland on still spring days.

It is a vigorous coloniser in the right conditions — damp, shaded ground in deciduous woodland, along hedgerow banks, by streams, and under scrub. On suitable sites it spreads freely by bulb offset and seed, forming dense, weed-suppressing carpets that are one of the most effective natural ground covers for challenging shaded areas. It dies back completely by midsummer, leaving the ground clear.

The leaves are edible and popular in seasonal cooking — mild, fresh garlic flavour — and can be harvested lightly without harming the colony. Best used fresh in spring before the flowers open.

Plant in autumn at 3–5cm depth in moist, humus-rich soil. Partial to full shade under deciduous canopy is ideal. Avoid dry or exposed positions. Plant in groups of 10 or more for best establishment. Wild Garlic is not suitable for open meadow or sunny positions — it is strictly a woodland and shade plant.

UK native species. Sourced from reputable UK suppliers.