Allium Purple Sensation

A pretty, purple-flowered plant, Allium hollandicum Purple Sensation is a tall, bulbous, deciduous perennial that comes up year after year. The mid-green leaves are short and strap-shaped. Tight, spherical heads of deep rosy-purple, star-shaped flowers are borne on straight stems in May and June, followed by green seeds; bees and other pollinators love the flowers. Plant 10-15cm deep and apart.  If you have heavy clay, it’s best to add grit to the planting hole to improve drainage, as the plant dislikes winter wet. Good in urban gardens and cottage gardens. Easy to grow, and no pruning needed. The leaves die down before flowering, so plant a perennial in front. Congested clumps may be divided, or offsets taken – the plant won’t come true from seed, being much paler than its parent. Ornamental onions should NOT be eaten. Allium Purple Sensation holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any fertile, moist but well-drained or well-drained soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Late spring and early summer
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height:  39” (1m) Spread: 20” (50cm) in 1-2 years

Photo by Jaypeg