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Allium aflatunense and Allium hollandicum: Ornamental Onions for a Striking Garden

The Allium genus offers a wide array of ornamental onions, with Allium aflatunense and Allium hollandicum being popular choices for adding height and visual interest to gardens. These plants are known for their showy flower heads and ease of cultivation.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Accepted Scientific Name: Allium aflatunense B. Fedtsch.
• Common Names: Ornamental Onion, Persian Onion, Large-Flowered Onion
• Synonyms: Allium hollandicum. The text also mentions the names Allium 'Purple Sensation', Allium aflatunense 'Purple Sensation' and Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'
• Family: Araceae (Note: This is likely an error in the original text, as Alliums belong to the family Amaryllidaceae. The entry for 'Allium aflatunense Gladiator' erroneously states that it belongs to the Araceae family).

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is a bulbous perennial.
• Allium aflatunense is part of the onion family.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is a bulbous perennial.

Distribution and Habitat

Allium hollandicum is noted as native to Iran, but the text generally refers to the cultivated forms of Allium aflatunense as garden plants.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Allium aflatunense is a bulbous perennial growing to approximately 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) tall.
• It features basal, straplike leaves and hollow, slightly ribbed scapes (flower stems).
• Flowers are typically lilac-purple or pink/purple, forming dense, globe-shaped heads about 3-4 inches across.
• Flowering occurs from May to July.
• Recommended planting depth is 20 cm, with a spacing of 25 cm between bulbs.

Ecological Role

Allium aflatunense is noted as deer- and rodent-resistant, making it a desirable choice for gardens where these animals are present.

Quirky Facts

• The 'Purple Sensation' cultivar is known for its tight, baseball-sized flower heads.

Cultivation

• Prefers well-drained soils and full sun.
• Tolerant of poorer soils and drought conditions.
• Suitable for architectural and formal planting.
• Can be underplanted with hostas for a complementary display.
• Best left undisturbed to naturalize and multiply.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Attracts butterflies.

Further Information

Additional information can be found at the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) website.