Common Name: ornamental onion
Type: Bulb
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Height: 1.00 to 1.25 feet
Spread: 1.75 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: August to September
Bloom Description: Dark purple
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy, Good Cut
Leaf: Fragrant
Attracts: Butterflies
Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer, Drought
Culture
Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun, but appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Tolerates a wide range of soils. Performs well in sandy soils. Add compost to clay soils, as needed, to improve drainage. Bulbs are best planted in fall. Deadhead after blooming to discourage unwanted seeding in the garden. Divide in the spring or early fall.
'Lavender Bubbles' is tolerant of some drought once established.
Noteworthy Characteristics
The genus Allium contains over 700 species of bulbous or rhizomatous plants. All possess oniony smelling flowers and foliage. Some species are grown for culinary purposes and others for ornamental purposes. Plants typically produce showy flower umbels on naked scapes rising above a clump of linear grass-like leaves. Ornamental alliums generally range in height from 3” to 4-6’ tall.
Genus name comes from the classical Latin name for garlic.
'Lavender Bubbles' is a compact, late-blooming, hybrid selection of ornamental onion that features dark purple flowers and slightly twisted and curled foliage. Mature clumps will reach up to 1.25' tall and spread to fill a 2' area. The globular inflorescences can reach 3.5" wide and bloom in late summer atop 2' tall, upright scapes. The upright, strap-like, blue-green foliage twists slightly. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and other insect pollinators. Plant patent number PP31126 applies to this cultivar.
Problems
Bulb rot may occur in overly moist soils. Watch for mildew, rust and leaf spots. Thrips are an occasional problem. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
A striking accent for mixed borders and cottage gardens. The flowers are suitable for use in fresh cut arrangements, although they have an onion-like smell.