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Allium cristophii

Allium cristophii

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Ornamental onionBulbFamily: Alliaceae

Height: 60cmSpread: 20cm
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Position

Sun Exposure:

Dappled shade, full sun

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Middle

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Ornamental onions are grown for their globe shaped flower heads that remain attractive once dried as well in flower. Allium cristophii (syn Allium christophii) bears huge, spherical flowerheads comprising up to 80 purple flowers with slightly flattened petals that create the perfect ball shape. As these fade, they resemble brown stars, and the complete stem will last for many weeks as part of a dried flower arrangement. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it the Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Allium cristophii is a fantastic choice for sunny borders, and works well when planted in drifts with ornamental grasses and other alliums. It makes a wonderful cut flower.

For best results, plant bulbs in a sunny spot in fertile, well-drained soil up to three times their diameter. Native to Turkey and Iran, Allium cristophii is not fully hardy and in colder regions should be mulched or planted in pots and moved to a frost free area in autumn.

Explore other interesting versions of Alliums:

Allium moly 'Jeannine' - bears bright yellow, star-shaped flowers which are attractive to bees and other pollinators
Allium x proliferum - has multiple uses and should be treated as a perennial crop as it self-seeds readily – effectively 'walking' around your garden

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecPlantyes**yesFlowersyes**yesDivideyes**yesCollect Seedsyes**yes

Allium ‘Cristophii’ and wildlife

Allium ‘Cristophii’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Allium ‘Cristophii’ poisonous?

Allium ‘Cristophii’ can be toxic.

Toxic to:

Is known to attract Cats

Cats

Is known to attract Dogs

Dogs

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People