Overview
Allium christophii (albopilosum) is a bulb in the genus Allium, part of the Amaryllidaceae family. Allium christophii (albopilosum) grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, containers, cut flowers and wildlife garden. It is native to Iran and Central Asia.
About
Allium christophii (albopilosum) is a bulbous Allium native to Iran and Central Asia, commonly sold as Star of Persia. It produces its flower heads in May to July and the blossoms are unscented. Give it full sun in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil on an exposed, south-facing site; it is hardy (H5) in the UK and toxic if ingested.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Allium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Well-drained
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Allium christophii (albopilosum) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulb
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers, Cut flowers, Wildlife garden
- Native to
- Iran, Central Asia
- Fragrance
- Unscented
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Allium christophii (albopilosum)
- Cultivation
- Plant bulbs in autumn in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent bulb rot.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower heads to tidy the plant and prevent self-seeding. Allow foliage to die back naturally before removal.
- Propagation
- Propagation by bulb division in autumn or by seed, though seed-grown plants take several years to flower.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Allium christophii (albopilosum)?
Plant bulbs in autumn in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent bulb rot.
Where is the best place to plant Allium christophii (albopilosum)?
Allium christophii (albopilosum) prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Allium christophii (albopilosum) need?
Allium christophii (albopilosum) grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Allium christophii (albopilosum)?
Remove spent flower heads to tidy the plant and prevent self-seeding. Allow foliage to die back naturally before removal.
Is Allium christophii (albopilosum) hardy in the UK?
Allium christophii (albopilosum) has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Allium christophii (albopilosum)?
Propagation by bulb division in autumn or by seed, though seed-grown plants take several years to flower.
Is Allium christophii (albopilosum) toxic?
Toxic if ingested.
More in the Allium genus
- Allium 'Garlic White'garlic 'Garlic White'
- Allium 'Japanese White'garlic 'Japanese White'
- Allium 'Judith'
- Allium 'Summer Beauty'
- Allium affine
- Allium akaka
- Allium alexeianum
- Allium amethystinumamethyst allium
