Allium cristophii
(Star of Persia)
Family - Alliaceae
Category - Bulb
Origin - Turkey, Central Asia
Year of Introduction - 1901
Season of Interest - Summer
Hardiness - H5
Height - 50cm
Location - The Cutting Garden, The House Border
Description: Bulbous Perennial with grey-green Basal Leaves. Very large umbels of lilac-pink, star-shaped flowers are produced in early summer and are followed by attractive seed heads. Flower heads can reach 20cm or more across and are excellent for use as cut flowers and for drying.
Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Synonyms - A. albopilosum, A. christophii
Flower:
Vast numbers of lilac-pink, star-shaped flowers in round umbels are produced in June. The flower heads can reach 20cm or more across.
Flower colour: Purple
Flower shape: Star-shaped flowers in umbels
Flowering time: June
Foliage:
Grey-green, strap-shaped Basal Leaves have usually deteriorated by the time the flowers emerge.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Strap-shaped
Propagation:
Seed, division of offsets.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun in fertile, moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained.