Allium Purple Sensation is a mid-height variety of ornamental onion, a cottage garden staple, which features deep violet, star-shaped flowers in densely packed globe clusters from mid-May. The strappy grey-green leaves will have already started to die back before then.

Attractive to butterflies and bees, this hardy perennial bulb has a long flowering season. Plant in the middle of the border, so the umbrels can grow through other foliage such as paeonies; it can take over from tulips. Also ideally suited to gravel gardens or prairie style planting.

The flowers and the seed-heads are both the first choice allium for flower arranging, making this a good all-rounder for your garden.

Common Name: Dutch Garlic

Height & Spread: 90cm x 20cm

Preferred Soil Type: Any well-drained, fertile soil, including chalk

Aspect: Full sun

Flowering period: May – June

Care: Split large clumps in spring or autumn.