Allium cristophii

About this cultivar:

Allium cristophii, commonly called Persian onion or Star of Persia, is a species of allium native to Turkey, Iran, and Turkmenistan, though grown as an ornamental bulbous plant in many parts of the world. A synonym of Allium albopilosum. The specific epithet was given to honour a Russian diplomat, named Cristoph who collected the first sample to be described.

Star of Persia is cultivated in gardens for its large showy umbels of silvery pink star-shaped flowers, that can get very large (20–25 cm in diameter). The flowers are followed equally attractive seed heads. The plant has, unsurprisingly, received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

• Position: Full sun, partial shade (prefers full sun)
• Soil: Almost any soil 
• Flowers: June, July, August
  
• Other features: Bees and Butterflies, Suitable for Container, Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit (RHS AGM)
• Hardiness: H5 - Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10°C)
• Habit: Columnar or Upright
• Foliage: Deciduous
• Height: 15 - 45 cm (0.5 - 1.5 ft)
• Spread: 15 - 45 cm (0.5 - 1.5 ft)
• Time to full growth: 2 to 5 years
• Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial, Bulb
• Colour: Pink, green
• Goes well with: Osteospermum, Iris, Lavender, Artemisia, Sage, Phlomis and perhaps Rosa.

About this genus:

Allium, also known as flowering onion, are disease resistant and very easy to grow in a wide range of conditions; from coastal areas to drought-prone areas to our own clay soil at Ballyrobert. They are bulbous, often edible, herbaceous perennials with a strong onion or garlic scent that is useful for warding off vampires.

Allium usually have pom-pom flowering heads that can be pink, yellow, lemon, powder-blue, purple, lilac, or white. They appear to flower for ever and insects love them. When Allium do stop flowering they don't droop-down - they dry-out! These dry flowers and stems add wonderful structure and offer an even longer 'flowering period'.

Great on their own they are also versatile plants. One use is weaving through other plants since they take up very little space on the ground and have an upright habit. We also grow a few of ours on a wall - it works! (we think). It is up to you what you do with yours! They are also great to grow in pots.

Some ideas: Try Allium next to pastels- we put the smaller ones next to Osteospermum. Or try them with Mediterranean plants like Lavender, Artemisia, Sage, Phlomis and perhaps Rosa. We also think their succulent appearance means they compliment Iris.