Allium Hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'

Purple Sensation, also known as Dutch Garlic, blooms a vivid purple in late spring to early summer - one of the deepest coloured alliums available. It is a standout favourite amongst our allium bulbs collection.

An ornamental onion that has rightly made its way out of the vegetable garden. Once under-appreciated, the Purple Sensation is now becoming a popular choice amongst gardeners, with its show-stopping display of deep violet flowers. It is certainly one of the best alliums in our range.

Standing on tall leafless stems up to 1m in height, the herbaceous perennial appears to float above other plants, adding tall bursts of interest when it blooms from late spring to early summer.

Flowering in umbels (short flower stalks emanating from one point), it creates 3 inch-wide globes of rich purple star/bell-shaped flowers - sometimes up to 50 small flowers in each spherical bloom.

It's ideal for adding drama to sunny borders or even pots, but equally at home in cottage gardens and flower beds.

Why we like it

• Dramatic spherical blooms of deep purple
• Easy to care for, although may need a bit of support when young
• RHS Award of Garden Merit

Planting know-how

• Plant in autumn, in full sun
• Plant bulbs 5-10cm (4 inches) deep, 10-15cm apart
• A total spread of 10-50cm when fully grown
• Likes fertile well-drained soil. Add grit to heavier soils such as clay to increase drainage
• Remove immature seeds as the plants they produce tend to produce paler blooms

A must have allium; do not be put off by its somewhat distinctive scent! It is a relatively new breed produced by allium maestro Jan Bijl in Holland in 1963 and a hybrid of the allium aflatunense bred for a deeper colour.

Purple Sensation is of particular value in attracting pollinators to the garden. And it just keeps on giving. Once flowering in late spring, it is excellent in the vase or perfect for dried bouquets at Christmas. The Royal Horticultural Society agreed, awarding its Award of Garden Merit citing attractive seed heads.