Persian Onion is native to Iran and Kyrgyzstan and is a bulbous herbaceous perennial in the onion family (Amaryllidaceae). This low-maintenance plant grows up to 2.6 feet tall and is best grown in moist to dry well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. The best blooming is in full sun. Plant bulbs in fall to a depth of twice their size and 6-8 inches apart. Deadhead after flowering to prevent unwanted seeding. Propagation is by seeds or division. It is drought tolerant after blooming is completed. Persian Onion is characterized by its showy violet flowers. The flowers bloom from May to June with 4-inch clusters of star-shaped flowers that attract butterflies. The popular cultivar 'Purple Sensation' has won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Adds color to a mixed border, cottage garden, or butterfly garden in the spring. Plant in groups for best results. Pests, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: Overly damp conditions leave ornamental onions prone to fungal issues, including bulb rot, rust, and mildew. Leaf spots and thrips are also common threats to ornamental onions. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.