Allium 'PINBALL WIZZARD' ornamental onion
size/type
mid-sized perennial,mid-sized perennial
usual height
0,5-0,6m
usual width
0,2-0,2m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
May-June
location
full sun
USDA zone (lowest)
5 (down to -29°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Ornamental onion is an attractive bulbous perennial commonly found all around mountainous regions of northern hemisphere. Most sought-after varieties are those with huge globular inflorescence in mid spring, yet there are others that bloom in the middle of summer offering handsome foliage all season round.
Description of the plant:
Pinball Wizard is a hybrid variety of ornamental onion, a cross between a.macleanii and a.cristophii. It produces extremely large globes of star-shaped, violet flowers from late May until late June. The inflorescence is up to 20 cm across, and strong stems reach only about 50-60 cm. Strap-shaped, basal leaves are light to pale green, and die back soon after the peak flowering phase. You can remove them or let them wilt and compost in situ if their unsightly state is not irritating. Large flowered ornamental onions need very well-drained soil or sand-based loam, and location in full sun. Avoid soils that remain wet especially when the plant is dormant. Should you have no other choice dig up the plant in midsummer, and plant it in a pot that is kept away from excess rain until early spring when it can be transplanted to the ground again, now with new roots that developed in the pot during dormancy. The bulb should be at least 5 cm or better 10 cm below the ground level. The stems are strong enough to withstand common weather caprices, however, open and exposed locations (windy seaside, large open fields, smooth mountain slopes etc.) are not recommended. In spite of the garlic/onion smell no part of the plant is edible. Hardy to min. -30°C (USDA zone 5), possibly a few degrees lower.
Last update 25-01-2018
