Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

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Allium atropurpureum

Also Known As

Tumbleweed Onion

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 12"-24"
W: 4"-8"

planting zones

3a-9b

Allium atropurpureum plant details

Allium atropurpureum is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring and summer purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Allium atropurpureum

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: amaryllidaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 4 IN - 8 IN - wide, 12 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in spring and summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Allium atropurpureum

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Ornamental onions offer intriguing spherical or egg-shaped inflorescences comprised of hundreds of tiny flowers. This eastern European species has many star shaped, very dark purple florets held in upward facing domes that are about the size of a tennis ball. Available in spring as potted plants and in fall as dry bulbs.