Persian shallot Allium stipitatum 'Violet Beauty'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Violet Beauty' has striking ornamental features that make it a popular choice in gardens for its visual appeal. It produces large, rounded clusters of star-shaped flowers, which come together to form a spherical flower head, similar to a pom-pom. The flowers have a rich, violet color that can add a vibrant touch to any planting arrangement. The blooms exude an elegant charm and can be quite attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The foliage is typically a lush green, with long, slender leaves that provide a contrasting backdrop to the dramatic floral display. The leaves are usually strap-shaped, adding to the overall graceful structure of the plant. This ornamental onion variety is sought after for cut flower arrangements as well, owing to the distinctiveness of its blooms and the long vase life they offer.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Persian Shallot, Ornamental Onion, Tumbleweed Onion
Common names
Allium stipitatum 'Violet Beauty'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Persian shallot (Allium stipitatum 'Violet Beauty') is generally not considered toxic to humans when consumed in food-appropriate quantities. However, as with other members of the allium family, consumption of large amounts can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These effects are typically associated with a very high intake of alliums, which is unlikely in a normal diet.
To pets
Persian shallot (Allium stipitatum 'Violet Beauty') is toxic to dogs and cats. As a member of the allium family, it contains compounds that can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells leading to hemolytic anemia. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive drooling, lethargy, and in severe cases, elevated heart and respiratory rates, weakness, exercise intolerance, and collapse. If a pet ingests any part of this plant, immediate veterinary attention is recommended.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Violet
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Allium stipitatum 'Violet Beauty', commonly known as ornamental onion, has striking violet-purple globular flower heads that add a pop of color to gardens and attract visual interest.
- Pollinator Attraction: It is a magnet for bees, butterflies and other pollinators, contributing to the biodiversity and health of your garden.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, ornamental onions require minimal care, are drought-resistant and generally do not need much watering or fertilization.
- Pest Resistant: This plant tends to be resistant to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical pest control methods.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: The allium is not a preferred plant for deer and rodents, providing an advantage if these animals are common in your area.
- Landscape Versatility: The plant can be used in borders, rock gardens, or as a striking element in container gardens, making it a versatile choice for various landscape designs.
- Cut Flowers and Dried Arrangements: The stems and blooms hold up well when cut, making them excellent for fresh floral arrangements and they also dry nicely for long-lasting decorations.
- Easy to Propagate: Allium stipitatum 'Violet Beauty' can easily be propagated by dividing the bulbs every few years, allowing gardeners to spread their beauty around the garden or share with others.
- Seasonal Interest: Its late spring to early summer blooming adds interest during a time when many early spring flowers have faded but summer bloomers have yet to start.
- Naturalizing: This allium has the ability to naturalize by self-seeding under the right conditions, creating a more interesting and dynamic garden over time.
Medical Properties- Antimicrobial: Allium stipitatum 'Violet Beauty' may possess antimicrobial properties that can help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- Antioxidant: The plant could have antioxidant effects, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
- Anticancer potential: Some studies suggest that compounds in Allium stipitatum may exhibit anticancer activity, although this is not yet well established for 'Violet Beauty' specifically.
- Cardiovascular health: It may contribute to cardiovascular health by aiding in the reduction of blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant might have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially useful in reducing inflammation in the body.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Allium stipitatum 'Violet Beauty', commonly known as Persian shallot, can be used in dried floral arrangements, as the flowers keep their shape and color well when dried.
- The bulb of the Persian shallot can be used as a natural adhesive, as when crushed, it becomes sticky and can bind items together lightly.
- Persian shallot bulbs may serve as a natural rust remover for iron and steel tools. Ground-up bulbs can be applied to rusted surfaces owing to their acidic properties.
- The plant can be utilized as a companion plant in gardens to repel certain insects and animals that do not favor its scent.
- Dye can be made from the flowers and bulbs of the Persian shallot, providing a range of colors from pale purple to pink for fabrics and crafts.
- The strong aroma of the Persian shallot can be used as a moth repellent by placing dried flowers among clothes and linens.
- During photography shoots, especially macro-photography, the distinct floral structures can provide an appealing natural backdrop or subject.
- Persian shallot leaves can be used to create natural patterns or impressions on clay or plaster art projects by pressing them into the material before it sets.
- Decorative gardening with Persian shallots offers aesthetics geared towards xeriscaping due to their low water requirements after establishment.
- The stems and bulbs can be included in potpourri mixes to add volume and modify texture within the mix due to their unique shape.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Persian Onion is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Persian Onion is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength: Alliums, in general, are often associated with strength due to their sturdy stems and bold blooms that stand tall in the garden.
- Unity: The spherical shape of the 'Violet Beauty' allium flower is composed of many small, clustered florets, symbolizing unity and togetherness.
- Patience: As perennial plants that bloom in late spring to early summer, alliums like 'Violet Beauty' represent patience and the reward of waiting for something beautiful.
- Prosperity: The lush violet color of 'Violet Beauty' can be a symbol of wealth and prosperity.
- Good Fortune: Alliums are believed to bring good luck, making them a popular choice in gardens for those hoping to foster positive outcomes.
WaterThe 'Violet Beauty' ornamental onion should be watered regularly during the growing season, with a thorough soaking once a week. Ensure the soil is well-drained to avoid waterlogging. During dry spells, watering may need to be increased to twice a week, providing about 1 gallon per plant. Reduce watering after the leaves begin to die back following flowering as the bulb is entering a period of dormancy.
LightOrnamental onions like 'Violet Beauty' thrive best in full sun conditions where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting is an area that gets unfiltered sunlight throughout the day, avoiding only the intense afternoon sun in hot climates.
TemperatureThe 'Violet Beauty' ornamental onion prefers temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees during its dormancy in winter and as high as 80 degrees during active growth. The bulbs require a period of cold winter chill to initiate spring growth.
PruningThe 'Violet Beauty' ornamental onion benefits from deadheading spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding. Pruning is minimal and only necessary to remove spent flower stems and yellowing foliage after blooming, typically in late summer. This helps direct energy back into the bulb for the next season's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPersian Onion 'Violet Beauty' thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of sand, compost, and loamy soil. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.0, providing a slightly acidic to neutral environment for optimal growth.
RepottingPersian Onion 'Violet Beauty' typically does not need frequent repotting and should be repotted every 3-4 years to refresh the soil, as the bulbs can become crowded over time.
Humidity & MistingPersian Onion 'Violet Beauty' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements, making it quite adaptable to different indoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a well-lit spot, ensuring direct sunlight.
Outdoor
Find sunny spot, plant in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleAllium stipitatum 'Violet Beauty', commonly known as Persian Onion, begins its lifecycle with seed germination, usually occurring in spring if seeds are sown outdoors after the threat of frost has passed. The seeds develop into small bulbs, which will produce thin, strap-like foliage as they grow. The plant enters a vegetative stage where energy is accumulated in the bulb through photosynthesis in the leaves. Typically in late spring to early summer, the Persian Onion produces tall, sturdy stems that bear spherical clusters of star-shaped, violet-hued flowers. After flowering, the plant sets seed, and once the seeds mature, the foliage begins to yellow and wither, signaling the plant's entry into dormancy, where it remains throughout the winter. The bulb remains dormant underground until the following spring, where it either resprouts to start the cycle anew or the new seeds germinate to give rise to new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: The Allium stipitatum 'Violet Beauty', commonly known as Persian Onion, is typically propagated by dividing the bulbs. The best time to carry out this process is during its dormant period after the foliage has died back, usually in late summer or early fall. To propagate by bulb division, carefully dig up the clump of bulbs and gently separate them, ensuring that each new bulb section has some roots. These individual bulbs can then be replanted at a depth of around 3 inches (approximately 7.6 cm), spaced about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) apart, in well-draining soil with ample sunlight. With watering and general care, these bulbs will establish themselves and grow into flowering plants over the next growing season. This division method is horticulturally practical and maintains the characteristics of the parent plant, providing a straightforward means of increasing your Persian Onion stock.
