Allium ‘Firmament’ (Ornamental Onion)

Regarded by some as one of the very best, Allium ‘Firmament’ is a rather unusual Allium. Instead of having round flowerheads, it is only two-thirds of the sphere, about 4-5 in. wide (10-12 cm). It is packed with star-shaped, dark silvery purple flowers, each flower being comprised of dark purple florets adorned with shimmering silver anthers. Blooming from late spring to early summer, this striking bulbous perennial enjoys a long-lasting season of interest and remains ornamental in the garden well into summer. A lovely cross between Allium christophii and Allium atropurpureum.

• Growing up to 24-30 in. tall (60-75 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.

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.