Allium cristophii
Common Name(s):
Star of Persia
Showy Star of Persia
Synonym:
Allium albopilosum
Persian onion
Flower:
Purple
Blooms :
May
to:
May
Star shaped with 6 tepals that are pointed, metallic shine
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Foliage:
Green
Strap-shaped, gray-green, basal leaves (to 20" long and 1" wide) form a clump of foliage in spring.
Fall Color?
YES
Foliage dies but flower heads remain intact and offer architectural interest
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Dried spherical flower heads look spectacular
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
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?
YES
Height:
12-24"
Spread:
6-18"
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Rocky slopes, scree
Soil:
Easily grown in rich, sandy to gritty, dry to medium moisture, well-drained loams in full sun.
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Use a slow-release granular fertilizer, or a phosphorous rich bulb food
Mulch:
Well rotted compost, shredded bark, chopped leaves
Plants may colonize over time, but are not considered to be invasive.
Long Term:
Winter:
Ensure in well-drained soil, mulch in colder regions
Spring:
Water only during dry spells, let foliage die back, fertilize
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.
General Care Comments:
Plants form dense, slowly-spreading clumps over time. They perform best in dry, sunny areas of the garden. Established plantings have good drought tolerance.
Common Problems
Bulb rot, yellowing leaves in flowering
Diseases:
Bulb rot may occur in overly moist soils. Mildew, rust, leaf spots and thrips may appear.
Insects:
Aphids, thrips, bulb mites, Allium leafminor
Environmental Problems:
Waterlogged soils, leaves may yellow during flowering
Pests:
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