Perennials & Grasses
Ornamental onion
Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'
CC BY-SA 4.0 · Web-optimized
CC BY-SA 4.0 · Web-optimized
CC BY-SA 4.0 · Web-optimized
Allium 'Purple Sensation' sends upright stems topped with rounded violet-purple flower heads into the late-spring border. In flower, it generally reaches about 2 to 3 feet tall, with blooms continuing into early summer. Plant the bulbs in full sun and well-drained soil, especially where Southwest Washington winters leave the ground wet. The flower heads can punctuate borders or walkways, and cut stems work in arrangements. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers. Its basal leaves may die back by flowering time, so neighboring plants can cover the fading foliage. This bulbous perennial is listed for USDA zones 4 through 8.
Ask about this plantAt a glance
- Mature height
- About 2–3 ft in flower
- Mature spread
- Not established
- Light
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 4–8
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
The upright flower heads add late-spring height to borders and walkway plantings. Stems can also be cut for arrangements.
Where to plant
Give the flowering stems room among neighboring plants. Those plants can help cover the basal leaves as they die back around flowering time.
Through the seasons
Rounded violet-purple flower heads appear in late spring to early summer. The basal leaves may die back by flowering time.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
This cultivar is recommended for maritime Northwest gardens. In Southwest Washington, choose a sunny spot with reliable winter drainage.
Soil, drainage & water
Plant in well-drained soil. Winter drainage matters especially where soil tends to remain wet.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Pruning needs are minimal. Cut flowering stems for arrangements if desired.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Basal rot in related Allium plants
Yellowing, wilting, poor growth, and rot beginning at the bulb’s base.
Help your plant thrive
Plant in well-drained soil and avoid damaging bulbs and roots.
Downy mildew
Pale, elongated leaf patches may develop grayish or white downy growth before leaves die back.
Help your plant thrive
Provide air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and discard diseased plant material.
A little more inspiration
Keep exploring.
CC BY-SA 3.0 · Web-optimized
CC BY-SA 2.0 · Web-optimized
CC BY-SA 2.0 · Web-optimized
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Explore this plantGoodwin Creek lavender
Lavandula heterophylla 'Goodwin Creek'
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Explore this plantGood gardens start with a conversation
Let’s find the right plant
for your place.
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