Allium stipitatum
Allium stipitatum.
In late spring this bulbous perennial onion from Central Asia bears large globular heads of starry purple flowers on tall stems. The long, strap shaped, grayish-green leaves wither as the flowering stems appear. The leaves, stems, and bulbs carry the typical "onion scent". Plant the bulbs in autumn at a depth three times their height in fertile well-drained soil and full sun. Lift and divide the clumps only when they become crowded. Plant this ornamental onion wherever you want an exclamation point in the garden, and in groups for maximum impact. It is effective in the mixed border, large alpine bed, or rock garden. The cut flowers are long-lasting and dry well.

Allium stipitatum Regel.