Ornamental Onion Star of Persia Allium Christophii is a perennial plant native to Western Asia and Southeastern Europe. Ornamental Onion seeds can be started indoors or directly outdoors in spring or fall. Also known as Downy Onion, Allium Christophii forms clumps of foliage with strap-shaped, gray-green, basal leaves and blooms with the enormous, scented 8-10" wide spherical flowerheads comprised of up tp 100 starry, violet-pink florets with prominent silvery shine and green eyes. This Ornamental Onion starts to bloom in late spring, and its very dhowy, long-lasting flowers make a nice transition from the spring to summer garden! The fragrant Allium Christophii flowers are a fantastic nectar source for the honey bees and they also attract various polinators including butterflies and hummingbirds.
Ornamental Onion Star of Persia is an outstanding perennial flower that is popular for planting in containers, rock gardens, cottage gardens, flower borders, along pathways, small or large groupings, and meadows. Allium Christophii seeds are recommended to be cold-moist stratified prior sowing them. Star of Persia Ornamental Onion is easily grown in rich, sandy to gritty, dry to medium moisture, well-drained loams and this plant performs best in dry, sunny areas of the garden tolerating drought. Plants may self-seed in the garden. As a cut flower, this Ornamental Onion is excellent for both fresh cut and dried flower arrangements.
PLANT PROFILE
Season: Perennial
Height: 18-24 Inches
Bloom Season: Spring/Summer
Environment: Sun/Partial Shade
Soil Type: Rich/Average/Dry/Moist well-drained, pH 5.6-6.5
USDA Zones: 4-9
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Sow Indoors: Winter (6-8 weeks before last frost)
Sow Outdoors: Spring/Fall
Seed Depth: 1/8-1/4 Inch
Germination Time: 60-90 Days
