Allium 'Purple Sensation'

Allium 'Purple Sensation': Purple Pom-Poms for the Late Spring Gap

Deep violet-purple globes on bare stems, bobbing above the border like party balloons that never deflate. 'Purple Sensation' is an overnight success that comes back every spring. THE CROWD GOES WILD, ANNUALLY.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'
• Common Name: Ornamental Onion, Persian Onion
• Height: 60–90 cm (2–3 ft)
• Spread: 15–30 cm (6–12 in)
• Flowers: Deep violet-purple globes about 10 cm (4 in) across, made of many small starry florets
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May to June)
• Foliage: Strap-shaped grey-green leaves at the base that start to fade around bloom time
• Features: Rabbit resistant, good for cutting and drying

Where to Plant: Plant it in groups through the middle of a sunny border, where the globes can float above lower perennials. The leaves tire out as the flowers open, so give it neighbours that hide its ankles. It suits cottage gardens, pollinator plantings and gravel gardens, and the stems are good for cutting or drying.

Companion Plants: Iris 'Dream Stuff' blooms white at 25 cm in May and June, right beneath the purple globes. Achillea 'Little Moonshine' takes over from June to September with yellow flowers at the front. Heliopsis helianthoides stands behind at up to 150 cm, keeping yellow in the bed until early fall. Give the planting full sun.

Plant Care: Grow it in full sun and well-drained soil. Sandy, loamy and even clay soils are fine as long as water doesn't sit around the bulb, especially in winter and spring thaw. Water while it's growing in spring, then ease off once the leaves yellow in summer. Let the foliage die back on its own so the bulb can store energy for next year, then tidy it away. Leave the seed heads standing for structure, or cut them for arrangements. Crowded clumps can be lifted and divided once the leaves have withered. Mark the spot. It goes dormant by midsummer and is easy to dig into by accident.

History: Allium hollandicum comes from Central Asia, in the region of Iran and Kyrgyzstan, despite a species name that means "from Holland". 'Purple Sensation' is its best-known selection and has earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Final Thoughts: Plant the bulbs in fall in a sunny spot, then go take your victory lap. Deer and rabbits won't touch the encore. CUT, DRY AND BRAG ABOUT IT.