Allium aflatunense Purple Sensation is one of the best deals on the planet. First: It is deer- and rodent-resistant. Second: It is a really good perennial, even a good naturalizer. Third: Its showy flowers bloom in the garden's in-between time~after the Narcissi and Tulips, and before summer annuals and perennials burst into bloom. Fourth: Bees adore them. Fifth: They are amazingly long-lasting~so very beautiful before they bloom, while they're blooming and after they bloom. Sixth: It is a fabulous cut flower. Seventh: They're incredibly affordable. For us, it is a must-plant in virtually every garden.

One of our Top Ten Must-Plants
We're serious. If you were to ask us what are the top ten flower bulbs to plant in every garden, Allium aflatunense Purple Sensation would be on that list.

Allium aflatunense Purple Sensation is a selection out of the species Allium aflatunense that dates back to 1902 from the area of central China and Iran. Purple Sensation has 4″ to 5″ composite globes comprised of densely compacted, star-shaped, deep violet-purple florets. Growing from 24″ to 30″ tall, it is the first of the big purple Allium globes to flower at the most perfect time in the garden. Blooming in May/June in horticultural zone 5, this spectacular variety is hardy from horticultural zones 4 through 8.

Interested in yet more Allium? We have the largest collection available in the U.S. with heirlooms like Allium atropurpureum, azureum, christophii, nigrum, schubertii and sphaerocephalon. We have huge purple globe-shaped varieties like Allium Ambassador, Gladiator, Globemaster and Pinball Wizard, and white globe-shaped varieties like Allium stipitatum Mount Everest and White Giant. This is but a very small sampling.

Easy to Plant
Allium aflatunense Purple Sensation bulbs should be planted in the fall after the soil has cooled down to around 55°F (after two weeks of sweater weather when night time temps have hovered in the 40s). The bulbs should be planted about 6″ to 8″ deep and about 8″ apart. They prefer neutral pH, well-draining soil with a minimum of six hours of daily sunlight. Its low-growing foliage browns out before the flowers bloom, so give some thought as to what can be positioned in front of it if your clients prefer more pristine foliage. Allow the foliage to thrive and die back naturally for the longest period of photosynthesis to feed the bulb for future year's of growth. Top dress the planting site three times a year with a 4-10-6 or 5-10-5 granular, organic flower bulb fertilizer: at fall planting time, spring sprouting time and when the flower starts to die back.