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Allium, Star of Persia

Spring-Flowering Bulb, Summer and Fall-Flowering Bulb

Allium cristophii
Alliaceae Family
Synonym: Allium albopilosum

Showy and unusual, the Star of Persia Allium's flowerhead can be up to 1 foot in diameter. Nearly 100 metallic violet flowers create a starburst-like bloom that resembles an exploding firework. Adds drama to either fresh or dried flower arrangements.

	Site and Plant Characteristics
	Growing Information

Site Characteristics

full sun

Soil conditions:

requires well-drained soil

Prefers fertile, very well-drained soil.

Hardiness zones:

5 to 8

Plant Traits

Lifecycle: perennial

Ease-of-care: easy

Height: 1 to 2 feet

Spread: 0.5 to 1 feet

Bloom time:

late spring
early summer

Flower color: violet

Blooms are violet with a metallic shine.

Foliage color: gray-green

Leaves die back before plant blooms.

Foliage texture: medium

Shape: upright

Shape in flower: flower stalks with flowers as globes

Spherical flowerhead borne on a tall erect stem.

Special Considerations

Special characteristics:

deer resistant
non-aggressive
non-invasive
not native to North America - Native to Turkey, Asia Minor, Central Asia.

Special uses:

cut flowers
dried flowers

Growing Information

How to plant:

Propagate by division or separation - Plant the bulbs 4" beneath the soil surface in fall.
Divide bulbs in fall.

Maintenance and care:

Apply mulch in fall for winter protection.
More growing information: How to Grow Bulbs

Onion fly
Thrips

White rot
Bulb rot
Mildew
Rust
Smut
Purple blotch
Gray mold