Star of Persia

Allium christophii

Central Asian ornamental allium with enormous loose open umbels of metallic lilac-violet star-shaped flowers — each head 20 cm across — on short sturdy stems. Spectacular and self-seeding once established.

Hardiness ratings

Star of Persia hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 4–8 −34.4 °C to −6.7 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H6 −20 °C to −15 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 4–8 −29 °C to −1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–5 −15 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Plant in sunny well-drained borders and gravel gardens — flowers May–June, the metallic flower heads catching low light beautifully
  • Self-seeds reliably where conditions suit — gradually fills sunny well-drained ground over a few years
  • Dried flower heads persist through summer and winter as architectural structure
  • Excellent bee forage

Pet caution: Star of Persia is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Star of Persia against your zones

Reference

Star of Persia on Wikipedia