Allium Statos

Allium 'Statos' is an ornamental onion with dark purple-violet floral heads in the shape of a dense ball that cannot be ignored. They emerge in late spring, atop sturdy stems. Shorter than the famous 'Gladiator', but earlier and with darker flowers, this variety is also more floriferous, as its bulb can produce multiple floral stems. It is a hardy plant, easy to grow in well-drained soil and full sun. Stunning in the garden or in a large pot, its flowers are also fabulous in dried or fresh bouquets.

Allium 'Statos' is a Dutch horticultural creation by JM van Berkel B.V. dating back to 2005. It is a seedling of Allium 'Gladiator'. It is a perennial herbaceous plant through its bulb, belonging to the Alliaceae or Amaryllidaceae family depending on the classifications. This ornamental onion develops its foliage in spring. It consists of several wide, spreading, shiny green leaves. Each leaf can reach 10 cm wide. The foliage yellows and disappears after flowering. This flowering takes place between May and June-July, earlier or later depending on the region. A green stem with a purple base, reaching up to 1.20 m emerges from the ground. At its tip, a large floral bud covered with a green membrane develops. At full bloom, this globular inflorescence can measure 15 cm in diameter. It is composed of numerous tiny star-shaped flowers with 6 petals in a deep purple-violet. This flowering attracts many pollinating insects, and the flower heads remain decorative for a long time after pollination. The bulb replenishes its reserves after flowering and produces many bulbils, allowing it to multiply rapidly.

Planted as a solitary specimen, the 'Statos' ornamental onion is not particularly interesting, but integrated into flower beds or large mass plantings with purple, pink, white, and blue flowers, it becomes truly remarkable. Ideal in a contemporary-style setting with boxwood balls, for example, it is fabulous in a romantic mixed border. Place it in a carpet of Nepeta 'Six Hill's Giant' not far from herbaceous peonies with large flowers, such as 'Sarah Bernhardt' or 'Diana Parks'. Consider accompanying it with low-growing and bushy plants like hardy geraniums, which will hide its base once the foliage has dried. For a more "dynamic" effect, its flowers can structure a modern garden where various geometric shapes oppose each other. For example, it can be associated with the flexibility of Stipa tenuifolia, lavender and trimmed bushy honeysuckles.

There is no shortage of ideas, there is definitely a corner of your garden where this allium will work wonders.