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© Photo by and (c)2008 Derek Ramsey ( Ram-Man ). Co-attribution must be given to the Chanticleer Garden., some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Allium, Genus, 'Purple Sensation', Cultivar,
- Genus
- Cultivar
Ornamental onion 'Purple Sensation'
Garden origin, Netherlands (species: Central Asia)
Overview
Allium 'Purple Sensation' is a bulbous perennial in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), a cultivar related to Allium aflatunense. Each bulb produces one leafless stem 30–42 inches (75–105 cm) tall topped by a spherical umbel 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) across, made up of 50–100 star-shaped florets of deep violet-purple, each about 0.5 inch (12 mm) across. Basal leaves are strap-shaped, 10–14 inches (25–35 cm) long and 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) wide, gray-green with a slight waxy surface, and begin to yellow at flowering so the stem stands bare. Bulbs are 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) in diameter and slowly form offsets, producing clumps 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) wide over several years. Plants are hardy in USDA zones 4–9. Foliage emits an onion scent when crushed. Flowers last 2–3 weeks and then dry into seed heads that remain upright into summer. Leaves decline before flowers finish, leaving bare ground at the base of the stem.
Native Range
Allium 'Purple Sensation' is a garden cultivar of Dutch origin. The related species A. aflatunense is native to the mountains of Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Iran, where it grows on rocky slopes.Suggested Uses
Used in perennial borders and mass plantings of 10–25 bulbs, set among plants with developing foliage that covers the yellowing leaves. Cut flowers last 7–10 days in water, and dried seed heads are used in arrangements. Also grown in containers 12–14 inches (30–35 cm) wide.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2'6" - 3'6"
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Bulbs are set 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) deep and 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) apart in fall. Plants grow in full sun in well-drained loam or sandy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Wet soil during summer dormancy causes bulb rot. Hardiness covers USDA zones 4–9. Water is applied during spring growth only when rainfall is below 1 inch (25 mm) per week, and established bulbs tolerate dry summers. Leaves yellow at bloom and are left in place until fully brown. Foliage is damaged by late spring frosts of 25 °F (−4 °C) and below, though flowers form normally in most years.Pruning
Stems with seed heads are left standing for dry arrangements or cut at the base after flowering. Yellowing leaves are cut at the soil line once they have turned brown, usually by late June. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
Prune: June
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
