Dutch garlic Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'
ABOUT
Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation', commonly known as Persian onion, is a bulbous perennial that is widely appreciated for its ornamental appeal in gardens and flower arrangements. This plant is characterized by its striking round and dense flower heads that sit atop sturdy, leafless stalks. The blossoms are composed of numerous tiny, star-shaped flowers that come together to form a globe-like cluster. The color of the flowers is a rich, deep purple that can add a dramatic touch to any setting. The foliage of the Persian onion consists of slender, green leaves that emerge from the base of the plant. These leaves tend to wither by the time the plant blooms, leaving the focus on the impressive flower spheres. The overall structure of the plant is upright and erect, giving it a regal and poised appearance. The alluring blossoms of Purple Sensation not only contribute to the aesthetics of a garden with their vibrant color and unique form but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which find the flowers irresistible. After the blooming period, the flower heads can be left on the plant to add textural interest to the garden, as they turn into architectural seed heads that retain their shape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Dutch Garlic, Persian Onion, Ornamental Onion
Common names
Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Dutch garlic is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, as with all plants, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur. If someone ingests a large quantity of the plant, gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea could potentially occur due to the irritating nature of the plant's compounds.
To pets
Dutch garlic is toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. It contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal irritation, and if ingested in large amounts, more severe symptoms such as drooling, nausea, oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, elevated heart and respiratory rates, or even collapse. In severe cases, it can lead to oxidative damage to red blood cells resulting in anemia. Pet owners should keep this plant out of reach and contact a veterinarian if they suspect their pet has consumed any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Purple Sensation ornamental onion features attractive globe-shaped, deep violet flowers that add a striking visual interest to gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: It is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is considered easy to cultivate and is generally low maintenance, suitable for gardeners of all experience levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: The scent and taste of the foliage tend to deter deer and rodents from nibbling on the plants.
- Long Bloom Period: It has a long flowering period in late spring to early summer, providing extended garden interest.
- Good Cut Flowers: The blooms are suitable for fresh floral arrangements and last well when cut.
- Dramatic Group Planting: When planted in groups, it creates an impactful display of color and texture in borders or garden beds.
- Multiplication: The plant naturalizes over time, multiplying and spreading to form larger clumps without becoming invasive.
- Architectural Form: The tall, upright stems and spherical flower heads offer architectural form, contrasting well with other plant shapes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Due to its striking purple color, Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' is commonly used by photographers as a prop for outdoor and nature photography, adding depth and interest to the composition.
- Dye Source: The vivid purple blooms can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, though it is not a widely known use.
- Garden Borders: This plant is often used to create dramatic borders in gardens, providing a pop of color and height among lower-growing flora.
- Educational Tool: Horticulture educators may use Purple Sensation to demonstrate bulb growth and pollinator attraction in gardening workshops and classes.
- Floral Arrangements: Due to its structural integrity, this plant acts as a focal point in floral arrangements, both fresh and dried.
- Art Inspiration: Artists sometimes utilize the unique spherical shape and color of the Purple Sensation blooms as inspiration for paintings, sculptures, and other art pieces.
- Marker in Plantings: Their tall stems and distinctive flowers make them useful as natural markers when mapping out or designing garden plantings.
- Bee Garden Addition: The flowers of Purple Sensation are attractive to bees, and can be planted to support local bee populations and biodiversity.
- Wedding Decor: They are often selected for use in wedding decorations, including bouquets and centerpieces, for their color and their ability to stand out.
- Ecosystem Support: Although not its primary use, when planted, they can contribute to the local ecosystem by providing habitat for insects and potentially other small wildlife.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dutch garlic is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dutch garlic is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unity and Humility: Given its spherical clusters of flowers, the allium symbolizes unity, indicating how many separate blooms can form a single, impressive whole. Its origins from humble bulbs also represent modest beginnings.
- Good Fortune and Prosperity: Often in folklore, alliums are thought to bring luck and wealth, partly because their round shape can resemble coins and their vibrant color is associated with richness in life.
- Strength and Patience: The sturdy stems of the allium and its ability to grow in a variety of conditions allude to inner strength and the patience required to bloom beautifully.
- Protection: Historically, alliums were thought to ward off evil spirits and were planted around homes for their protective properties, a belief that has persisted in symbolic meanings.
WaterPurple Sensation, commonly known as ornamental onion, should be watered moderately. During the spring and early summer when it's actively growing, ensure the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged, which often translates to about 1 inch of water weekly. You should reduce watering after the flowers have faded and the leaves begin to yellow, signalling the plant is entering dormancy. Depending on the climate and weather conditions, you might only need to water once a week or even less frequently. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again and aim to provide a deep watering rather than just wetting the surface.
LightPurple Sensation thrives best in full sun exposure. The ideal spot would be an open area free from shade where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some light shade, it might not bloom as prolifically. Full sun ensures the strongest growth and best flower production for these ornamental onions.
TemperaturePurple Sensation can survive in temperatures as cold as 20 degrees Fahrenheit during its dormant period, and during its growing season, it prefers temperatures between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant can handle temperature spikes above this range, but excessive heat may affect its growth and bloom quality. Ideally, plant this ornamental onion in an area where it can experience the cooler end of its temperature range, which can also encourage better blooming.
PruningPurple Sensation does not require much pruning except for the removal of spent flower stalks to maintain a neat appearance and prevent self-seeding, if not desired. Prune the flower stalks back to the base of the plant after the blooms have faded and have begun to dry, which is typically in late summer. There is no need for regular pruning as this could damage the bulbous nature of the plant.
CleaningNot needed
SoilDutch Garlic 'Purple Sensation' thrives in well-draining, sandy loam with a pH of 6.0-7.5. For the best soil mix, combine two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part sand or perlite for drainage.
RepottingDutch Garlic, or 'Purple Sensation,' is a bulbous perennial and does not require frequent repotting. Repot once every 3 to 4 years, ideally in the fall after the foliage has died back.
Humidity & MistingDutch Garlic 'Purple Sensation' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require special humidity conditions to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and space bulbs 8 inches apart.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and space bulbs 8 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAllium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation', commonly known as Persian Onion, begins its life cycle when a gardener plants its bulb in the soil, typically in the fall. During the spring, the bulb sprouts, sending up a sturdy stem and strap-shaped, green leaves. As temperatures increase, the plant enters its blooming stage, producing a striking spherical cluster of small, star-shaped purple flowers atop a tall, leafless stem in late spring to early summer. Following pollination, which is aided by bees and other insects attracted to the flowers, the bloom eventually fades and seed capsules form, containing black seeds. If conditions allow, these seeds may fall to the ground and germinate, producing new plants, or the original bulbs multiply by producing offsets. In late summer, the plant's foliage dies back as it enters a dormant stage, storing energy in the bulb for the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Early Autumn
The most popular method of propagation for Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation', commonly known as Persian Onion or Dutch Garlic, is by dividing and replanting its bulbs. The ideal time for this is in late summer to autumn after the foliage has died back. Carefully lift the clump of bulbs with a spade or fork and gently separate the bulbs by hand. Each bulb should have a portion of the basal plate, which is essential for producing new shoots. Replant the bulbs immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15 cm) and space them approximately 8 inches (20 cm) apart in well-drained soil with added compost for optimal growth. It's important to choose a sunny location as alliums thrive with plenty of light.
