Star of Persia (Allium cristophii)

Star of Persia

Features and Characteristics

Allium christophii, commonly called star of Persia, is a bulbous perennial that is ornamentally grown for its spring bloom of large, spherical, pale lavender flowerheads. This plant is native to Iran, Turkey and central Asia (concentrated in territory once known as Persia). It typically grows to 12-24″ tall. Strap-shaped, gray-green, basal leaves (to 20″ long and 1″ wide) form a clump of foliage in spring. As the leaves begin to wither in mid-spring, flowering stems rise up (to 15-24″ tall) topped with large globular pale lavender to amethyst flowerheads (umbels to 8-12″ in diameter) in an impressive spring bloom (May in St. Louis). Each flowerhead is packed with up to 100 individual flowers. These flower heads are among the largest produced by any of the ornamental onions in commerce today. Seed heads dry well after bloom. Flowers lack fragrance. Leaves and bulbs have an oniony aroma when cut or bruised.

Genus name comes from the classical Latin name for garlic.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in rich, sandy to gritty, dry to medium moisture, well-drained loams in full sun. Plants form dense, slowly-spreading clumps over time. They perform best in dry, sunny areas of the garden. Established plantings have good drought tolerance. Plant new bulbs 3-6″ deep and 10-12″ apart in fall. Established plants may be divided in fall. Plants may self-seed in the garden. Deadhead flowers before seed sets to help control any unwanted spread.

Star of Persia (Allium cristophii) Requirements

Hardiness zone	4 - 8
Sun light	Full sun
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Bulb rot may occur in overly moist soils. Mildew, rust, leaf spots and thrips may appear. Plants may colonize over time, but are not considered to be invasive.

Uses

Ornamental onion for rock gardens, beds and borders, cottage gardens and meadows. Containers. Cut flowers are excellent for both fresh cut and dried flower arrangements.

Star of Persia (Allium cristophii) Details

Common name	Star of Persia
Botanical name	Allium cristophii
Plant type	Bulb
Family	Amaryllidaceae
Hardiness zone	4 - 8
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Pale lavender
Flowering period	May
Height	1 - 2 ft.
Width	0.50 to 1.50 feet