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Allium cristophii (Star of Persia)

Star of Persia, Allium Christophii, Allium Albopilosum, Ornamental Onion, Spring Bulbs, Spring Flowers

AGM Award
Allium Cristophii, Allium Christophii, Star of Persia, Allium Albopilosum, Ornamental Onion, Spring Bulbs, Spring Flowers , Purple Onions, Late Spring Bloom, Early Summer Bloom,
Allium Cristophii, Allium Christophii, Star of Persia, Allium Albopilosum, Ornamental Onion, Spring Bulbs, Spring Flowers , Purple Onions, Late Spring Bloom, Early Summer Bloom,
Allium Cristophii, Allium Christophii, Star of Persia, Allium Albopilosum, Ornamental Onion, Spring Bulbs, Spring Flowers , Purple Onions, Late Spring Bloom, Early Summer Bloom,

Award-winner Allium cristophii (Star of Persia) is an elegant ornamental onion with star-shaped silvery purple flowers forming a large globe-shaped cluster, 8 in. wide (20 cm), atop narrow and hairy leaves. Blooming in late spring to early summer, this spectacular bulbous perennial enjoys long-lasting blooms and remains ornamental in the garden well into summer.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Growing up to 6-16 in. tall (15-40 cm), this beauty naturalizes easily and will come back year after year!
  • Easily grown in rich, sandy to gritty, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. This Allium is drought tolerant.
  • Known for attracting bees, butterflies, ​moths, and other pollinators, but deer ignore it.
  • Stunning in beds, borders, and cottage gardens. Spectacular in large sweeping drifts. Plant in groups (at least 10 to 15 bulbs) for the best visual impact. Excellent as cut flowers for both fresh and dried arrangements!
  • Mixes beautifully with other late spring flowering bulbs and creates stunning combinations with pink or white delphiniums, peonies, or irises.
  • To be planted in fall.
  • Allium cristophii is native to Iran, Turkey, and central Asia.

Hundreds of Allium species exist, but only a few have made a name for themselves as garden plants. The ornamental onions distinguish themselves by their remarkable diversity in color, inflorescence, and flowering height. Many species bloom in early summer – just after the spring-flowering period and just before the exuberant full bloom of summer. Certain small species are just perfect for a rock garden, and several lend themselves to naturalizing. All species can be used in the border.

Learn How To Plant And Care for Your Spring Flower Bulbs


 To achieve optimum flowering results, it is important to plant the bulbs at the right time.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 5 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs
Plant Family Amaryllidaceae
Genus Allium
Common names Onion, Ornamental Onion, Star of Persia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 6" - 2'
(15cm - 60cm)
Spread 6" - 8"
(15cm - 20cm)
Spacing 4" (10cm)
Depth 7" (18cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Allium cepa Aggregatum Group (Shallot)
Allium cepa (Onion)
Allium sativum (Garlic)
Allium ‘Purple Rain’ (Ornamental Onion)
Allium ‘Pinball Wizard’ (Ornamental Onion)
Allium ‘Ostara’ (Ornamental Allium)

Recommended Companion Plants

Rosa The Mayflower (English Rose)
Papaver orientale ‘Prinzessin Victoria Louise’ (Oriental Poppy)
Allium neapolitanum (Ornamental Onion)
Digitalis purpurea (Common Foxglove)
Santolina pinnata subsp. neapolitana (Green Santolina)
Lychnis coronaria (Rose Campion)
Astrantia major ‘Roma’ (Great Masterwort)
Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)
Campanula persicifolia (Peach-Leaved Bellflower)

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Allium (Ornamental Onion)
Great Rose Companion Plants: Allium
Bulbs that return to the garden year after year!
Tall Alliums for your Garden Borders
Small Allium Species for the Rock Garden
Learn How To Plant And Care for Your Spring Flower Bulbs
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Awesome Allium Combos
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 5 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs
Plant Family Amaryllidaceae
Genus Allium
Common names Onion, Ornamental Onion, Star of Persia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 6" - 2'
(15cm - 60cm)
Spread 6" - 8"
(15cm - 20cm)
Spacing 4" (10cm)
Depth 7" (18cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Allium
Guides with
Allium
Not sure which Allium to pick?
Compare Now

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