Allium Medusa (Ornamental Allium)
Aptly named, Allium ‘Medusa’ (Ornamental Allium) is a bulbous perennial boasting profuse, 2-inch rounded clusters (5 cm), packed with amethyst-purple flowers. Blooming from late summer to early fall, they open from nodding buds that look like snakes at the tips of the stems, just like Medusa hair. Borne on sturdy stems, the blossoms seem to float above the low foliage mound of twisting and curling, gray-green leaves.
Aptly named, Allium 'Medusa' (Ornamental Allium) is a bulbous perennial boasting profuse, 2-inch rounded clusters (5 cm), packed with amethyst-purple flowers. Blooming from late summer to early fall, they open from nodding buds that look like snakes at the tips of the stems, just like Medusa hair. Borne on sturdy stems, the blossoms seem to float above the low foliage mound of twisting and curling, gray-green leaves. The foliage has a slight onion scent when bruised. Rich in nectar, the flowers attract bees and butterflies. They make excellent cut flowers. Easy to grow, carefree, deer and rabbit resistant, this Allium selection is a charming addition to the rock or herb garden
- Grows up to 20-24 in. tall (50-60 cm) and 24 in. wide (60 cm).
- Thrives in fertile, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Add grit to clay soils to improve drainage. This Allium is drought tolerant.
- Lovely in beds and borders, cottage gardens, and containers. To achieve an impressive visual effect, plant in clusters.
- Known for attracting bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators, but deer and rabbits ignore it.
- Generally pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for onion white rot and downy mildew.
- Cut back after flowering or merely remove dead flowerheads.
- Propagate by removing offsets in autumn.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 10 |
| Plant Type | Bulbs |
| Plant Family | Allium |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Late)Fall |
| Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 24″ (60cm) |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |