Plant DetailShow Menu

Allium hollandicum is often confused with:
Allium aflatunense Form
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Thymus vulgaris Thymus vulgaris
Verbena canadensis Verbena canadensis
Viola sororia Viola papilionacea
Allium hollandicum has some common insect problems:
Bulb Mites

Persian Onion Allium hollandicum

Other Common Name(s):

Other plants called Persian Onion:

Phonetic Spelling
AL-ee-um hol-LAN-dih-kum
Description

This ornamental onion is native to Iran and Kyrgyzstan and is a bulbous perennial characterized by its showy violet flowers. The flowers bloom from May to June with 4-inch clusters of star-shaped flowers that attract butterflies. It is drought tolerant during the summer but needs some moisture during the growing season. Best blooming is in full sun.

This low maintenance accent plant is best grown in moist to dry soils in full sun to partial shade. Plant in fall to add color to a mixed border, cottage garden, or butterfly garden in the spring. It needs well-drained soils to prevent bulb rot.

Pests, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: Overly damp conditions leave ornamental onions prone to fungal issues, including bulb rot, rust, and mildew. Leaf spots and thrips are also common threats to ornamental onions. 

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Purple Sensation'
    Most popular cultivar with deep violet flowers. 2'-3' tall.
'Purple Sensation'
Tags:
#bulb#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#small spaces#drought tolerant#perennial bulbs#easy to grow#purple flowers#colorful#low maintenance#spring flowers#cottage garden#rabbit resistant#mass planting#flower arrangements#moist soil#herbaceous#perennial flowers#violet flowers#summer flowers#herbaceous perennial#division#attractive leaves#summer interest#border planting#cutting garden#spring interest#pollinator plant#dried arrangements#small group plantings#sandy soils tolerant#loamy soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#spring flowering bulbs#partial shade tolerant#perennial#wildlife friendly#accent
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Purple Sensation'
    Most popular cultivar with deep violet flowers. 2'-3' tall.
'Purple Sensation'
Tags:
#bulb#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#small spaces#drought tolerant#perennial bulbs#easy to grow#purple flowers#colorful#low maintenance#spring flowers#cottage garden#rabbit resistant#mass planting#flower arrangements#moist soil#herbaceous#perennial flowers#violet flowers#summer flowers#herbaceous perennial#division#attractive leaves#summer interest#border planting#cutting garden#spring interest#pollinator plant#dried arrangements#small group plantings#sandy soils tolerant#loamy soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#spring flowering bulbs#partial shade tolerant#perennial#wildlife friendly#accent
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Allium
    Species:
    hollandicum
    Family:
    Amaryllidaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Iran and Kyrgyzstan
    Wildlife Value:
    Flowers attract butterflies. Deer and rabbit resistant.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Colorful
    Easy to Grow
    Wildlife Food Source
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 9 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Perennial
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Good Dried
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Star
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    The showy violet flowers bloom from May to June in a 4-5 inch wide round cluster. Small individual flowers are 6-petaled and star-shaped.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Stap-like green leaves are up to 2 feet long and 1-2 inches wide in a basal rosette.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Round
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    Sturdy 2 foot green stem
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Dry Soil
    Rabbits