About Allium cristophii Trautv.
Allium cristophii, commonly known as Persian onion or star of Persia, is a flowering plant species in the Amaryllidaceae family. It is native to Iran, Turkey, and Turkmenistan, and is grown as an ornamental bulbous plant across many parts of the world. This species is sometimes sold under its synonym Allium albopilosum. Star of Persia reaches a height of 50 cm (20 in). It is cultivated in gardens for its large, showy umbels of silvery pink star-shaped flowers; these umbels grow 20–25 cm (7.9–9.8 in) in diameter and bloom in early summer. After flowering, the plant produces attractive fruiting clusters. Allium cristophii has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It grows best in full sun to partial shade, and is toxic to cats and dogs. This species prefers sandy, gritty soil with good drainage, and is best suited to USDA hardiness zones 5–8.
