Allium christophii
Star of Persia
Plant Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Flower:
Purple
Blooms :
May
to:
May
large, spherical, pale lavender flowerheads; Each flowerhead is packed with up to 100 individual flowers. These flower heads are among the largest produced by any of the ornamental onions in commerce today. Seed heads dry well after bloom.
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
No
Foliage:
Green
Deciduous
Strap-shaped, gray-green, basal leaves (to 20" long and 1" wide) form a clump of foliage in spring.
Oregon Native?
No
West State Native?
No
This plant is native to Iran, Turkey and central Asia (concentrated in territory once known as Persia).
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
Yes
Firewise?
No
Height:
12-24"
Spread:
6-18"
Growth Rate:
Native Habitat:
Soil:
Easily grown in rich, sandy to gritty, dry to medium moisture, well-drained loams in full sun.
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Mulch:
Long Term:
Plants may colonize over time, but are not considered to be invasive.
Winter:
Spring:
Summer:
Plants may self-seed in the garden. Deadhead flowers before seed sets to help control any unwanted spread.
Fall:
Plant new bulbs 3-6" deep and 10-12" apart in fall. Established plants may be divided in fall.
Common Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Diseases:
Bulb rot may occur in overly moist soils. Mildew, rust, leaf spots and thrips may appear.
Insects:
Also called: