Persian shallot Allium stipitatum 'White Giant'
ABOUT
The Allium stipitatum 'White Giant' is a striking plant, characterized by its large, spherical clusters of star-shaped white flowers that form a dense umbel, presenting a showy and impressive display. The individual blossoms are tightly-packed, creating an almost fluffy appearance from a distance, but upon closer inspection, they reveal a delicate structure with a multitude of florets radiating from the center. The plant displays sturdy, upright stems that are both smooth and robust. These stems are topped with the globular flower heads and are an elegant green color, providing a strong visual contrast to the pure white flowers. The foliage of the 'White Giant', which comprises strap-shaped leaves, is basal, meaning that the leaves grow at the base of the stem. These leaves are also a rich green hue and have a slightly glossy finish. After the flowering period, the blooms transform into attractive seed heads that offer a lingering visual interest even after the main blooming season has passed. Over time, these seed heads dry out, taking on a tan or brownish color, which can be both an ornamental and naturalistic addition to the garden setting, often persisting into the fall. The 'White Giant' is an ornamental plant that contributes a strong vertical element and architectural interest with its noteworthy flower heads. It is commonly used as a focal point in garden designs or planted in drifts for a more dramatic effect. The white color of its flowers provides a versatile palette that can complement a wide range of other plantings, making it a favorite among gardeners looking for impactful and easy-to-integrate ornamental plants.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Persian Shallot, Ornamental Onion
Common names
Allium stipitatum 'White Giant'
ToxicityTo humans
Persian onion (Allium stipitatum 'White Giant') is not considered toxic to humans when ingested in typical food quantities. It belongs to the Allium family, which includes onions, garlic, and chives, all of which are commonly used in cooking. However, in very large amounts, consumption can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or irritation. It's important to note that the leaves, bulbs, and flowers of Persian onion can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals upon handling the plant.
To pets
Persian onion, or generally all plants from the Allium species, are known to be toxic to cats and dogs. If these animals ingest parts of the plant, they can suffer from symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious conditions like oxidative hemolysis, which is the destruction of red blood cells leading to anemia, and could potentially be life-threatening. Owners should prevent their pets from accessing and ingesting any part of the Persian onion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: The 'White Giant' creates a dramatic display with its tall stems and large spherical white flower heads that add beauty to any garden.
- Attracts pollinators: Bees and other beneficial insects are attracted to its flowers, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, Allium stipitatum 'White Giant' is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Deer resistance: This plant is generally resistant to deer, which makes it a good choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Easy to grow: It is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to cultivate, requiring minimal care once it is established.
- Culinary uses: Although excluded from the medical properties, the edible parts of the plant can be used in cooking for their flavor.
- Long blooming: It has a long flowering period, providing visual interest in the garden for an extended time during the late spring and early summer.
- Multiplication: It propagates easily, allowing gardeners to split clumps and spread the plant throughout the garden or share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Allium stipitatum 'White Giant', known as Persian shallot, can be used as a natural pest repellent in the garden due to its strong scent that may deter rodents and deer.
- The bulbs of Persian shallot may be crushed and incorporated into homemade insect-repelling sprays to protect other plants from pests.
- The dried flowers of the plant can be used to create attractive ornamental additions to dried floral arrangements or bouquets.
- Leaves of the Persian shallot can be used to impart an onion-like flavor when used as a seasoning for cooking various dishes.
- The plant can be used as a bordering plant to mark distinct sections or paths within a garden due to its tall and imposing floral stalks.
- Persian shallot's bulb extracts are sometimes used as a base for natural dyes in textile applications, giving fabrics a range of colors depending on mordants used.
- The seeds of Persian shallot can be collected and used as a starting material for the cultivation of new plants in educational settings for botany studies.
- The tall stems and strong structural presence of Persian shallot make them suitable as natural staking companions for climbing or vine plants in a garden.
- These plants can serve as a privacy screening when planted in clusters, as they grow tall and dense enough to obscure sight.
- In culinary arts education, the plant could be used to teach students about various allium species and their culinary applications, excluding its direct use in food.
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: The sturdy stem and large bloom of the 'White Giant' allium symbolize strength and resilience.
- Unity: Alliums, with their spherical cluster of flowers, represent unity and togetherness.
- Prosperity: The full, round shape of the bloom is often associated with abundance and prosperity.
- Purity: As this allium is white, it is commonly linked with purity and innocence.
- Perseverance: Allium stipitatum 'White Giant', being a robust plant, is often symbolic of perseverance through challenges.
WaterThe 'White Giant' Allium prefers to be watered moderately. It needs thorough watering once the top inch of soil appears dry, which typically means once a week during the growing season. You should provide approximately 1 gallon of water per plant each time you water. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to bulb rot. During the dormant period in the winter, reduce the frequency of watering significantly, only to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightThe 'White Giant' Allium thrives best in full sunlight. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sun each day, so an unobstructed spot that receives ample sunlight is ideal. Avoid shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to weak stems and poor flowering.
TemperatureThe 'White Giant' Allium is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but prefers a temperature range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can handle brief periods of higher temperatures, but sustained heat above 80 degrees Fahrenheit may adversely affect the plant.
PruningPruning 'White Giant' Allium mainly involves deadheading the spent flowers after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent unwanted self-seeding. Cutting back the foliage is not necessary until it has died back naturally, which typically occurs by late summer or fall. Pruning in this case is minimal and is done after the plant has finished the season's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Persian Onion, or Allium stipitatum 'White Giant', thrives in a well-draining soil mix composed of loamy or sandy soil, with the addition of organic matter such as compost to enrich the nutrients. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingPersian Onion bulbs should be repotted every three to four years to provide fresh soil and to accommodate bulb growth. It's best to repot them after the flowering period when they are dormant.
Humidity & MistingPersian Onions prefer a moderate level of humidity but are quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying conditions commonly found in outdoor garden settings. They do not have specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a sunny spot and ensure well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, in spring or fall.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleAllium 'White Giant' begins its life cycle as a bulb, dormant through the winter months. Upon the arrival of spring, it germinates, producing strap-like leaves and a thick stem that will eventually hold the spherical white flowers. During late spring to early summer, the flower head blooms, attracting pollinators with its many small, star-shaped flowers. After pollination, the plant sets seeds, which mature by late summer. The foliage dies back after flowering and seed production, and the plant goes into a period of dormancy until the next spring. Bulblets may form around the parent bulb, which can be separated and planted to propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Allium stipitatum 'White Giant', commonly known as Persian Onion or Ornamental Onion, is best propagated by dividing its bulbs. The most favorable time to divide and replant these bulbs is late summer to early fall, once the foliage has withered and died back. To propagate, carefully lift the clump of bulbs from the soil using a garden fork, taking care not to damage them. Gently separate the bulbs, ensuring each division has a portion of the basal plate to stimulate new growth. Replant the bulbs immediately at a depth three times their diameter, which is approximately 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), and space them about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) apart to allow adequate room for growth. Water the newly planted bulbs well to establish them. This method is simple and effective, helping to maintain the vigor of the plant and producing a cluster of blooms in the following growing season.
