How fabulous is this sparkling giant starry globe! Allium cristophii will burst through your borders between May and June. They will bridge the the seasons as they flower with confidence and style.

The flower heads of the impressive 'Star of Persia' blooms reach up to around 25cm in diameter and sit at the top of sturdy, tall stems, so they’re great for grouping together in the border where they can bob above neighbouring foliage and flowers. Providing two looks in one plant, once the shiny purple colour begins to fade you’re left with gorgeous golden seedheads which continue the season of interest right into summer!

If you like to pick flowers from the garden to make indoor arrangements, Allium cristophii is an essential staple. The big flowers create an instant, grand display with the minimum of growing fuss. With lengthy, strong stems, they’re great for showing off in a tall glass vase, but just as good bunched together with a mix of other flowers. Allium cristophii are fully hardy, low-maintenance and very reliable, so all you have to do is plant them in the autumn and look forward to their amazing show every year – it’s like a gift that keeps on giving!

Comes back every year

Attractive to wildlife

Loved by pollinators

Thrives well in full sun

Low maintenance

RHS Award (AGM)

Fully hardy

Flower colour
Purple

Bulb size
12/14

Established height
30-50cm

Established spread
20-30cm

Plant spacing
25 bulbs per m2

Leaf colour
Green

Habit
Upright

Life cycle
Perennial

Hardiness
Fully hardy

Years to establish
1st year

Sunlight
Full sun

Position
Sheltered

Suitable for
Borders
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Coastal gardens
Rockery
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens

Soil acidity
Any

Soil moisture
Free draining

Soil type
Loam
Sandy
Clay
Stony
Multipurpose compost

Growing skill
Easy to grow

Scented
No

Pollinator-friendly
Yes

Resistant to mouse, deer and rabbits

Toxicity - Skin/eyes irritant