Star of Persia
Allium cristophii
0 Allium cristophii - Ail Étoile de Perse (1) by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
8a
USDA zone
-12°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
20cm | Min | 10cm |
2 years to reach maturity
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance


More images of Star of Persia
Star of Persia Overview
Allium cristophii is a perennial flowering bulb that produces striking round shaped clusters of star-shaped violet flowers at the top of 50cm tall stems in early summer. Commonly known as the Star of Persia, this stunning bulb will produce leaves in early spring which will have faded by the time the flower has opened, making it a useful addition to mixed flower borders. These attractive flowers can be cut for floral arrangements or left to develop into seed heads giving structure to late autumn and winter displays. This species has earnt a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Award of Garden Merit. It is also part of the RHS “Plants for Pollinators” initiative to showcase plants which support pollinator populations by providing ample amounts of nectar and/ or pollen. A great choice for encouraging pollinating insect wildlife into your garden!
Common problems with Star of Persia
How to harvest Star of Persia
Collect ripe seeds in autumn for use straight away, or store in cool dry conditions for spring sowings. Cut flowers/seed heads as and when required for floral arrangements.
How to propagate Star of Persia
Seed
Sow ripe seeds in late summer/early autumn into containers and overwinter in cold frames or unheated greenhouses.
Division
Lift bulbs in autumn while the plant is dormant and separate offsets. Replanting or potting up straight away.
Bulbs
Plant bulbs in autumn.
Special features of Star of Persia
Attractive flowers
Pot plant
Can be grown in large pots, provided they have sufficient drainage.
Attracts useful insects
Other uses of Star of Persia
Dried arrangements, border, edging, rock garden, cutting bed, walls, rock garden