This is a tall, dramatic plant that grows to 3 feet or more with large spherical umbels best grown in clumps. Sterile flowers have a long bloom time because they are not pollinated. Its leaves are long and strap-like.

It may be possible to get blooms on plants in the shade of deciduous trees if the leaf canopy is not complete when flowers open. This has been observed in habitat of the parent species, Allium giganteum, in Central Asia. Trial in such shade might be a helpful experiment

Bulbs multiply in the ground and should ideally be dug and divided after leaves turn brown, every year. The plant will produce a compound bulb of several cloves, which can be separated and planted individually. If left alone it will form large clumps of bulbs, some of which will not produce scapes [flower stalks] and blooms. Plant the largest cloves at least 6 inches deep and about 12 inches apart; smaller cloves not so deep, but they will reach a large size the following year. Depth of planting is important so as to give lateral support to the blooming scape. Winds can topple blooming scapes not well supported.

Bulb and leaves are edible. The wild species is collected for pickling in native Central Asia.