Species star of Persia
A  plant with purple flower atop green stem.

star of Persia

Allium cristophii

Star of Persia (Allium cristophii) is an amazing plant with tall, 12-18” stalks topped with clusters of up to 100 star-shaped purple blooms, making it a magnificent addition to any garden. Its deep, violet flowers offer a beautiful contrast to lighter colored blooms, creating a stunning summer display. Its petals become darker as they mature and are held above strap-like leaves. Star of Persia is a reliable perennial, perfect for likes and landscapes. Plus, it is deer and drought resistant. Its stunning blooms, sturdy growth, and lasting impact make it a must-have for any gardener looking for something truly special.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Offsets,Bulbils

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Pale lavender Flowers In Spring

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Star of Persia should be watered deeply and infrequently. During the summer, this plant should be watered about once a week, ensuring that the soil is evenly moist. During the spring and fall, the soil should be allowed to dry out and the plant should be watered only when the top inch of the soil has become dry. During the winter, the watering needs should be reduced so that the soil is barely damp, and allowed to dry out more thoroughly between waterings. Keep in mind that in warm climates, your plant may require more frequent watering than in colder ones.

sunlight

Star of Persia (Allium cristophii) should be grown in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In areas with intense summer heat, filter some of the direct sun by planting it in an area with partial shade. If your plant is grown in too little light, it will produce floppy flower stalks and have fewer flowers. Too much sun in the summer months can cause sun scalding, leading to bleached areas of foliage.

pruning

Star of Persia should be pruned in early spring, before the new growth appears. The goal is to remove any dead flower heads and foliage, as this will encourage new blooms to form. Pruning can also be done lightly in the fall, mainly to thin out the clumps or to remove any extra stems. To thin out the clumps, cut the stems off at the base. For extra stems, pruning should be done so that the shape of the plant is maintained and no more than 1/3 of the foliage is removed at a time. Pruning should not be done too aggressively, as this can damage the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Allium cristophii typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Allium cristophii typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map