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Key characteristics

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

Bulbs

Allium × hollandicum 'Gladiator'

Gladiator Ornamental Onion

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.