Allium atropurpureum

Allium atropurpureum, sometimes called Purple/Red Allium, is an herbaceous bulbous plant, still rare in our gardens. In late spring and early summer, it bears medium-sized umbels in a dazzling red-purple hue with black highlights. Its decorative fruiting will adorn the garden in winter. This allium will also add charm to fresh or dried floral compositions. This plant has retained the charm of wildflowers. It is easy to grow and naturalises in light soils.

Allium atropurpureum belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. It is native to Hungary, Croatia, former Yugoslavia (Serbia, Montenegro), Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey, and has naturalised in Austria. This plant forms an erect clump, reaching a height of 80cm (32in) when in flower, 30cm (12in) for the foliage, and spreads over 10 to 25cm (4 to 10in). The flowering takes place from June to July. The plants have six-petalled flowers in a burgundy red colour. The flowers are arranged in umbels and produce attractive loculicidal dehiscence capsules. The foliage consists of long, simple, basal, linear, sessile leaves with entire margins and parallel veins. The leaves disappear at the latest in November. The plant survives winter in the form of a bulb.

Allium atropurpureum will express its full potential when planted in large groups of at least 10 to 15 bulbs. It looks perfect in flower beds, with roses and shrubby artemisias, or as a border plant, behind a row of neatly trimmed boxwood balls or germander oak. It also works well along a wall or pathway, or in isolated clumps amidst creeping bugle. No matter how you choose to plant this allium, the decorative effect is guaranteed! Consider planting it in beautiful pots that will be decorative from spring to autumn. Its foliage and flowers can be used in bouquets to create magnificent compositions.

Allium atropurpureum pairs very well with roses and chamomile in flower beds, or with carrots and beets in the vegetable garden. It can repel aphids and other harmful insects. However, it seems to inhibit the growth of legumes. This plant is a poor companion for alfalfa and sainfoin, for example. A. atropurpureum, like its relatives, is a medicinal plant. Its cousins are garlic, onion, chives, leek, and more.