Overview
Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Allium, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, gravel garden, patio and container plants and wildlife gardens.
About
Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' is a robust perennial that can reach heights of up to 1 meter. It features elongated, strap-like leaves that are a greyish-green and typically wither as the plant approaches its blooming period. The flowers, which can measure up to 8 centimeters in diameter, are a rich, deep rosy-purple and form dense spherical clusters, often containing 50 or more star-shaped blooms, which appear during the summer months.
About the genus
Allium consists of bulbous herbaceous perennials characterized by a pronounced onion or garlic aroma. They feature linear, strap-like, or cylindrical leaves that arise from the base. The flowers, which can be star-shaped or bell-shaped, are arranged in an umbel atop a stem that lacks leaves.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Allium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'
- Cultivation
- Grow in full sun and fertile well-drained soil. It is best to grow in containers where garden soil is heavy clay and prone to saturation over winter. See allium cultivation
- Pruning
- No pruning required, other than to remove old flowered stems and foliage
- Propagation
- Propagate by offsets which can be carefully detached by lifting the bulb after flowering has finished. See bulb propagation
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to allium leaf miner and onion fly
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to onion white rot, and onion downy mildew
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'?
Grow in full sun and fertile well-drained soil. It is best to grow in containers where garden soil is heavy clay and prone to saturation over winter. See allium cultivation.
Where is the best place to plant Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'?
Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' need?
Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'?
No pruning required, other than to remove old flowered stems and foliage.
How big does Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' grow?
Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' hardy in the UK?
Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'?
Propagate by offsets which can be carefully detached by lifting the bulb after flowering has finished. See bulb propagation.
Is Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' good for pollinators?
Yes — Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.