ALLIUM Purple Sensation

Care Guide for Allium 'Purple Sensation'

Allium 'Purple Sensation' is a spectacular ornamental onion known for its striking spherical clusters of vibrant purple flowers atop tall, sturdy stems. This perennial bulb adds drama and color to garden beds, borders, and rock gardens, attracting bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich blooms. Here's a comprehensive care guide to help you cultivate and maintain Allium 'Purple Sensation':

Planting Location:

• Sunlight: Plant Allium 'Purple Sensation' in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. It thrives in bright sunlight, which promotes optimal flowering.
• Soil Type: Choose well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Allium prefers fertile, loamy soil but can adapt to various soil types, including sandy or clay soil.
• Moisture Requirements: Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to bulb rot. Water regularly during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Watering:

• Moderate Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the active growth period in spring and early summer. Water deeply when needed, but avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot.
• Reduce Watering: Once Allium 'Purple Sensation' finishes flowering and enters dormancy, gradually reduce watering to allow the bulbs to dry out. Resume regular watering when new growth appears in spring.

Fertilization:

• Minimal Fertilization: Allium 'Purple Sensation' generally does not require regular fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.
• Avoid Excessive Nitrogen: Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote lush foliage at the expense of flower production.

Pruning:

• Deadheading: Remove spent flower heads to prevent self-seeding and encourage the plant to redirect energy into bulb development. Snip off the faded blooms once they have finished flowering.
• Leave Foliage Intact: Allow the foliage to wither and turn yellow naturally after flowering. The leaves continue to photosynthesize and provide nutrients to the bulbs for next year's growth.

Division and Propagation:

• Division: Allium bulbs can be divided every few years to rejuvenate overcrowded clumps and promote better flowering. Lift the bulbs in late summer or early fall, separate the offsets, and replant them in prepared soil.
• Propagation: Allium 'Purple Sensation' can also be propagated from seeds sown in fall. Sow the seeds directly into the garden bed or in containers filled with well-draining soil.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Pest Resistance: Allium 'Purple Sensation' is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, watch for onion fly larvae, slugs, or snails, which may occasionally feed on the foliage. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or hand removal.
• Disease Prevention: Ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent fungal diseases such as botrytis or rust. Avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage can increase the risk of fungal infections.

Winter Care:

• Cold Hardiness: Allium 'Purple Sensation' is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. In colder regions, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to insulate the bulbs and protect them from freezing temperatures.
• Container Plants: If growing Allium in containers, move pots to a sheltered location or protect them with insulation during winter to prevent frost damage to the bulbs.

Landscape Uses:

• Mass Planting: Plant Allium 'Purple Sensation' in large drifts or clusters for a dramatic display of color in the garden. Mass plantings create a stunning focal point and attract pollinators.
• Mixed Borders: Combine Allium with other spring-blooming perennials and bulbs for a diverse and colorful border. Its tall flower stalks provide vertical interest among lower-growing plants.
• Cut Flowers: Harvest Allium blooms for use in fresh-cut flower arrangements or dried floral crafts. The long-lasting flowers add height and texture to floral displays.

Conclusion:

Allium 'Purple Sensation' is a captivating and easy-to-grow bulbous perennial that offers striking color and architectural interest to garden landscapes. By following the care guide outlined above, gardeners can successfully cultivate and enjoy the beauty of Allium 'Purple Sensation' in their outdoor spaces. Visit our garden center to acquire 'Purple Sensation' bulbs and elevate your garden with these enchanting ornamental onions.

• Size
  2 Litre

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.