Northwest Blooms · Bulbs
Allium × hollandicum 'Gladiator'
Gladiator Ornamental Onion
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Height
- 36 to 48 in
- Width
- 9 to 12 in
- Flower color
- Dark lavender to soft purple, forming large, spherical flower heads
- Foliage color
- Blue-green, strap-shaped leaves that emerge in spring and begin to yellow by bloom time
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low, remove spent flower heads if desired, allow foliage to die back naturally to replenish the bulb
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies, other pollinating insects
About this plant
Allium × hollandicum 'Gladiator' produces large, rounded flower heads composed of many star-shaped florets in rich violet-purple tones. The blooms appear in late spring to early summer, held on sturdy, upright stems that rise cleanly above broad, gray-green basal leaves. As flowering begins, the foliage gradually recedes, allowing the bold blossoms to take center stage and define the plant's seasonal display.
'Gladiator' has become widely used for its strong vertical presence in garden designs. It works well in borders, perennial beds, and naturalized plantings, where the tall stems create rhythm and height. The flowers also perform well as cut blooms, adding structure to fresh and dried arrangements while extending their usefulness beyond the garden.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Containers · Cut Flower Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Garden phlox · Black-eyed Susans · Daylilies · Lavender · Coreopsis · Russian sage
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Plant in generous groups rather than single spots, and set them among perennials whose new growth covers the fading foliage.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Schreiner’s Gardens.
