Purple Sensation Allium Bulb

Purple Sensation Allium Bulbs (Allium aflatunense) bring beautiful, perfect violet-purple 'balls' make up of 100's of star-shaped blooms that sit atop long green stems. Sometimes called Persian Onion, they are fragrant, easy to grow, make excellent cut flowers and are a pollinators dream. This striking beauty tolerates heat and drought while deer and rabbits tent to avoid them. Recommended spacing for fall planted Purple Sensation Allium bulbs is 3 inches apart at a depth of 5 inches.

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant Purple Sensation allium bulbs in the fall, approximately 4-6 weeks before the first hard frost.
• - Choose a sunny location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
• - Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of at least 12 inches, adding organic matter like compost to improve fertility and drainage.
• - Plant the bulbs 6-8 inches deep with the pointed end facing upwards.
• - Space bulbs 6-12 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.

Soil Preparation:

• - Alliums prefer well-drained soil; amend heavy or clay soils with sand or peat to enhance drainage.
• - Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal health and growth.

Watering Specifics:

• - Water the bulbs thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around them.
• - Maintain consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in dry periods.
• - Reduce watering after the foliage has died back post-bloom, allowing the bulbs to go dormant.

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time to support healthy growth.
• - A second application in early spring, as the alliums begin to emerge, can enhance their vigor.
• - Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of blooms.

Pruning and Care:

• - Deadhead spent flowers promptly to prevent seed formation, directing energy back to the bulb.
• - Allow foliage to die back naturally to nourish the bulb for next year's bloom.
• - Once the leaves have turned completely yellow, they can be removed to maintain a tidy garden.

Pest Management:

• - Alliums are generally resistant to pests, but watch for aphids or onion flies.
• - Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used if pests are detected.
• - Ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent fungal diseases.

Blooming Indicators:

• - Purple Sensation alliums typically bloom in mid to late spring, producing large, round clusters of vibrant purple flowers.
• - The blooms generally last about 2-3 weeks, depending on environmental conditions.
• - The plants usually grow 24-30 inches tall, making them ideal for borders, mixed beds, or as focal points in the garden.

Light Requirements:

• - Requires full sun for best results; they can tolerate light shade, but full sun yields better blooms.
• - The more sunlight they receive, the healthier the plants will be and the brighter the flowers.

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
• - Alliums require a cold dormancy period during winter to ensure proper blooming in spring.

Companion Plants for Purple Sensation Allium:

• - Apeldoorn's Elite Tulip: Complements the purple hues with vibrant red blooms.
• - Hyacinth Bulb Mix: Offers fragrance and color variety that pairs beautifully with alliums.
• - Drumsticks Allium: Provides height and adds visual interest with its unique bloom structure.
• - Ice Follies Daffodil: Introduces a cheerful contrast with white and yellow flowers.