Overview
Allium christophii (albopilosum) is a clump forming bulb in the genus Allium, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. 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.
About the genus
Allium is a large genus of monocotyledonous flowering plants with 1112 accepted species, making Allium the largest genus in the family Amaryllidaceae and among the largest plant genera in the world. Many of the species are edible, and some have a long history of cultivation and human consumption such as the onion, garlic, scallions, shallots, leeks, and chives.
Wikipedia contributors, "Allium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Allium
In the garden
Allium christophii (albopilosum) is a bulbous member of the Amaryllidaceae, native to Iran and parts of Central Asia and sometimes traded under the name Allium albopilosum. It is treated as a summer-flowering bulb in UK gardens, coming into bloom from May to July when its flower heads are at their best. Plant in a full-sun position with freely draining soil; a neutral to alkaline, gritty or loamy mix suits it. Choose an exposed, south-facing spot where soil does not remain damp through winter, since the bulbs prefer well-drained conditions. The plant is rated hardy (H5) for UK conditions. Use Star of Persia at the back of borders, in large containers where it can be given a sunny rim, or as a source of cut flowers; it also fits pockets of a wildlife-focused planting. The foliage and blooms are unscented, and all parts are toxic if eaten, so bear that in mind where children or pets visit. Flowers appear May to July and the stems are suitable for cutting for vases.
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
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- 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.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Onion white rot, Downy mildews
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 'Judith'
- Allium 'Summer Beauty'
- Allium cepa 'Goldito'
- Allium hookeri 'Zorami'Hooker Chives
- Allium phanerantherumconspicuous-anthered garlic
- Allium 'Millenium'
- Allium schmitzii
- Allium turcomanicum