Allium aflatunense


Allium aflatunense is a species of plant in the amaryllis family, native to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia. In other regions, it is commonly grown as a garden plant.

Description

Allium aflatunense is a tall bulbous perennial plant with basal, straplike leaves, and hollow, slightly ribbed scapes. The flower heads are dense, globular umbels, about across, made up of numerous star-shaped, purplish-pink flowers. It flowers in May and June, with seeds ripening in August. It is commonly sold as a bulb.
A. aflatunense is often confused with A. hollandicum.

Cultivation

Allium aflatunense is generally hardy in USDA zones 4–8. The plant is suitable for use as a cut flower. While it prefers alkaline soil, it can tolerate poor soil conditions, as well as part shade.