Wild Leek

Allium ampeloprasum

Welsh: Garlleg Mawr Pengrwn

Wild Leek, Allium ampeloprasum, is the wild ancestor of the cultivated leek (Allium porrum), a handsome and architectural native of certain coastal parts of the British Isles. Found naturally on rocky shores in Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, and here in South Wales, it brings both botanical interest and a strong sense of place to the garden.

Reaching a similar stature to the familiar vegetable leek, it produces elegant purple umbels held high above strap-like foliage, creating striking vertical interest in borders, naturalistic plantings, or coastal gardens. Growing from a cloved bulb, it combines ornamental beauty with fascinating horticultural heritage, making it a particularly rewarding choice for gardeners drawn to native and species plants of character.