Ornamental Onion Allium 'Atlas'
ABOUT
The Allium 'Atlas', commonly known as ornamental onion, is a striking plant that showcases spherical flower heads that consist of numerous small, star-shaped flowers. These blossoms are typically a vibrant shade of purple that adds a pop of color to gardens and landscape designs. The flowers are perched atop sturdy, upright stems that rise above the plant's base. The foliage of ornamental onion is usually slender and strap-like, with a deep green color that provides a nice contrast to the bright flowers above. The leaves form a basal clump that is somewhat grass-like in appearance. Overall, the plant has a bold and architectural presence that draws the eye, making it a favorite among gardeners looking for unique and dramatic floral displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Ornamental Onion, Giant Onion
Common names
Allium 'Atlas'.
ToxicityTo humans
The toxicity of the plant Allium 'Atlas', known commonly as ornamental onion, to humans is generally considered low. Ingesting parts of the plant may cause mild stomach upset if consumed in large quantities. However, Allium species are more commonly known for their culinary uses rather than being harmful to humans, and adverse reactions are uncommon. Nonetheless, individuals with a sensitivity to alliums should avoid consuming this plant.
To pets
Ornamental onion, or Allium 'Atlas', is toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. The toxic compounds in alliums can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include lethargy, weakness, reduced appetite, pale or yellowed gums (indicating jaundice), and elevated heart rate. In severe cases, vomiting, diarrhea, and even collapse can occur. If a pet ingests parts of an ornamental onion, immediate veterinary attention is recommended.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
3-4 feet [0.91-1.22 meters]
Spread
1-2 feet [0.30-0.61 meters]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Allium 'Atlas', commonly known as ornamental onion, has striking globe-shaped flower heads that add an architectural element to the landscape.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is highly tolerant to drought, requiring minimal water in well-draining soils.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of ornamental onions attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects to the garden, which is important for pollination.
- Low Maintenance: Allium 'Atlas' requires very little care once it's settled into the garden, making it an excellent choice for gardeners at all levels.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: The plant is naturally resistant to deer and rodents, which prevents damage and preserves the beauty of the blooms.
- Extended Blooming Season: This plant has a long blooming period that spans late spring to early summer, providing a long-lasting display of color.
- Multiplication: Allium 'Atlas' can propagate by seed or bulb division, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings or share with others.
- Companion Planting: It pairs well with other perennials, creating a layered garden design with varying heights and textures.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The ornamental flower heads of the Allium 'Atlas' can be dried and used in floral arrangements, providing a distinctive, spherical shape that can add interest and texture.
- Allium 'Atlas' can serve as a natural pest deterrent in gardens due to its strong scent, which can repel aphids and other garden pests.
- Allium 'Atlas' might be used as a natural dye source, where the plant material is boiled to yield colors for dying fabrics or yarns.
- The sturdy stems of Allium 'Atlas' can be used in gardening as natural stakes for supporting other plants with weaker stems.
- Companion planting with Allium 'Atlas' can benefit adjacent plants by improving soil health through its root system that may deter soil nematodes.
- Used in educational gardens, Allium 'Atlas' can help teach about the lifecycle of bulb plants and pollinator attraction strategies.
- The Allium 'Atlas' is suitable for creating themed garden designs, such as moon gardens, due to its large, spherical and luminous flower heads.
- Allium 'Atlas' can offer a sensory experience in gardens for the visually impaired due to its distinct texture and strong scent that can be easily identified.
- Artists and photographers may use Allium 'Atlas' as a unique subject in their botanical art or as a focal point in landscape photography.
- The dried seed heads of Allium 'Atlas' can be utilized in crafts, such as creating natural ornaments or integrated into handmade paper for added texture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Allium, commonly known as ornamental onion, is not typically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant ornamental onion is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength and Endurance: Due to the name 'Atlas', this plant is associated with the Titan Atlas from Greek mythology who was responsible for holding up the heavens, symbolizing immense strength and endurance.
- Prosperity and Abundance: Alliums in general have round, full heads that can represent prosperity and the abundance of nature's bounty.
- Protection: Alliums, like garlic, have been thought to ward off evil spirits and are often associated with protection.
- Unity and Humility: The multiple florets that make up the spherical bloom of the Allium 'Atlas' symbolize unity with their clustered appearance, while the plant's simple beauty reflects humility.
- Good Fortune: The plant is sometimes considered to bring good luck, perhaps because of its many seeds which symbolize potential and new beginnings.
WaterThe ornamental onion, commonly known as Allium 'Atlas', should be watered thoroughly to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the active growth phase in the spring and autumn, watering once a week with approximately 1 gallon of water per plant is typically sufficient. During the summer, especially in hotter climates or periods of low rainfall, check the moisture level more frequently, as the plant may require additional water. In the winter, reduce watering significantly since the plant is dormant and requires less moisture. Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again to prevent overwatering and root rot.
LightThe ornamental onion prefers full sun conditions and should be placed in a spot where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south-facing garden or landscape area would be ideal, ensuring maximum exposure to sunlight that will help the plant produce its best blooms and maintain healthy growth.
TemperatureAllium 'Atlas', or ornamental onion, thrives in a temperature range between 60°F and 70°F, which is the ideal for their growth. They can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F and can tolerate summer highs up to approximately 90°F. It's important to protect the bulbs from extreme cold by applying mulch or bringing containers indoors if temperatures are expected to drop below the minimum range.
PruningThe ornamental onion should be pruned primarily to remove spent flower stalks, which encourages the plant to direct its energy into bulb growth rather than seed production. Deadhead the flowers after they have faded and before they set seed. Additionally, remove any yellow or damaged leaves to keep the plant tidy. The best time for pruning is right after flowering has ended, usually by midsummer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Allium 'Atlas', commonly known as Ornamental Onion, should be well-draining with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of around 6.5 to 7.5. A mixture of loamy garden soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite promotes good drainage and healthy growth.
RepottingOrnamental Onion or Allium 'Atlas' typically doesn't require frequent repotting. It should be repotted once every 3 to 4 years, ideally during their dormancy period after flowering has ceased and the foliage has died back.
Humidity & MistingOrnamental Onion ('Allium 'Atlas') prefers average ambient humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions. It thrives in outdoor humidity levels but does not need increased humidity when grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, and ensure soil drainage.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil; space bulbs 6-8 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Allium 'Atlas', commonly known as Ornamental Onion, begins with seed germination, where the seeds require a period of stratification (cold treatment) to break dormancy. Upon sprouting, roots develop and a shoot emerges, eventually producing foliage that is typically grass-like or strap-shaped. As the plant matures, it goes through a vegetative state where bulb development occurs, storing energy for the next season. Following this phase, Allium 'Atlas' enters its reproductive stage, sending up a tall stalk topped with a large, spherical flower cluster that can be violet, white, pink, or blue in color. After blooming, the plant sets seed, which disperses, and then the foliage dies back as the plant goes into a period of dormancy. During dormancy, the bulb remains underground where it overwinters until favorable growth conditions return, signalling the start of the next life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The Allium 'Atlas', commonly known as ornamental onion, is generally propagated by dividing its bulbs. The ideal time to do this is late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but before the ground freezes. To propagate by division, dig up the clump of bulbs and gently separate them by hand, ensuring that each section has at least one bulb or a part of the bulb cluster. These individual bulbs can then be replanted immediately at a depth of around 6 inches (15 centimeters) with the pointed end facing upward. This method allows the newly planted bulbs to establish roots before the winter and then burst into growth the following spring.
