Product Description
Allium 'Millenium' (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Ornamental Onion
This hybrid from Allium guru Mark McDonough was picture perfect in our trials. 'Millenium' forms a compact, upright clump of glossy green, thick and strappy leaves which emit a slight smell of onion when crushed. In late July and August here in Michigan, a profusion of large 2”, bright rosy purple, tightly rounded clusters of flowers appear on strong stems just above the attractive foliage.
Alliums are charming plants for the rock or herb garden. When the foliage is bruised, it smells like onions since they are in the onion family. Butterflies and honeybees adore the flowers' sweet nectar but deer and rabbits steer clear of this perennial beauty.
Allium is very easy to grow in full sun to part shade. It will tolerate soil of any fertility and will grow in clay soil. This selection has not been known to reseed and is not invasive. It may be propagated in fall by digging it up and dividing the rhizome with the bulblets attached. Allium is typically pest and disease free. Its aromatic foliage also makes it deer and rabbit resistant.
Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year -- 2018
Colorado State University "Top Performer" Perennial -- 2019
Cannot ship to Idaho.
Height: 8.0-12.0 Inches
Spread: 8.0-12.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Pink shades
Foliage Color: Green shades, Blue shades, Silver/grey shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Average Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Summer - Early Fall
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Edging, Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Small, Miniature
Allium 'Millenium' is a stunning ornamental onion variety that has gained immense popularity among gardeners for its vibrant blooms and easy-to-grow nature. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to cultivate and enjoy this remarkable plant in your own garden.
Allium 'Millenium', also known as ornamental onion, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. It is a hybrid variety developed by allium breeder and expert Mark McDonough. This clump-forming perennial is admired for its attractive foliage and long-lasting, rosy-purple flower clusters that bloom in mid to late summer. Notably, Allium 'Millenium' was awarded the prestigious title of Perennial Plant of the Year in 2018 by the Perennial Plant Association.
Unlike many other allium varieties, which typically bloom in spring, 'Millenium' is a late-summer bloomer, providing a valuable source of color when many other plants are starting to fade. It also has reduced fertility and does not spread aggressively like some other alliums, making it a well-behaved and desirable addition to the garden.
Allium 'Millenium' boasts several notable characteristics:
- Compact Growth: It typically reaches a height of 12-18 inches and a width of 12-15 inches, making it suitable for various garden settings.
- Attractive Foliage: The plant features deep green, flattened, grass-like leaves that emerge from the soil line. When crushed, the leaves emit a slight oniony smell, adding another sensory dimension to this plant.
- Showy Blooms: In mid to late summer, it produces 2-inch spherical umbels of rose-purple florets that add a vibrant touch to the garden. These beautiful blooms attract butterflies, enhancing the ecological value of your garden.
- Long Blooming Period: The flowers last for several weeks, providing an extended period of visual interest.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Allium 'Millenium' is generally resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance plant.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The oniony scent of the plant deters deer and rabbits, protecting it from damage.
How to Grow and Care for Allium 'Millenium' Allium 'Millenium' is relatively easy to grow and care for, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Here are some essential guidelines:
Planting
- Timing: The ideal time to plant Allium 'Millenium' is in the spring or early summer.
- Location: Choose a location that receives full sun to light shade.
- Soil: Plant in well-drained soil that is moist to dry. Allium 'Millenium' is adaptable to a wide range of soils, including sandy soils and clay soil.
- Spacing: Space the plants about 12-15 inches apart to allow for adequate growth.
Watering
- Regular Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Avoid Overwatering: Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so ensure proper drainage.
Fertilizing
- Light Fertilization: While specific fertilization recommendations were not found in the provided sources, it is generally advisable to provide a light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring to support healthy growth.
Other Care Tips
- Deadheading: After blooming, deadhead the spent flower stalks to prevent self-seeding and encourage the plant to focus its energy on foliage and bulb development. Although 'Millenium' has reduced fertility, some seeds may still be viable, so deadheading can help maintain a tidy appearance and prevent unwanted seedlings.
- Dividing: Divide the clumps every few years in spring or early fall to maintain plant vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Ideal Planting Zone Allium 'Millenium' thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5-9. In colder zones, it may require some winter protection.
Typical Bloom Time Allium 'Millenium' typically blooms in mid to late summer, usually from July to August. This late bloom time makes it a valuable asset in the garden, providing color when many other plants have finished flowering.
Companion Plants for Allium 'Millenium' Allium 'Millenium' is a versatile plant that can be paired with various companion plants to create stunning combinations in the garden. Some suitable companions include:
- Summer-Blooming Perennials: Combine Allium 'Millenium' with other summer-blooming perennials such as Echinacea (coneflower), Phlox, Salvia, and Hemerocallis (daylily) to create a vibrant and long-lasting display.
- Ornamental Grasses: The contrasting textures of ornamental grasses complement the spherical flower heads of Allium 'Millenium' beautifully.
- Roses: Allium 'Millenium' can be planted among roses to add vertical interest and attract pollinators.
- Lady's Mantle: The soft, yellow-green foliage of Lady's Mantle provides a lovely contrast to the deep green leaves and purple flowers of Allium 'Millenium'.
- Catmint: The purple-blue flowers of catmint create a harmonious color scheme with Allium 'Millenium'.
- Spring-Blooming Bulbs: Utilize Allium 'Millenium' to conceal the fading foliage of spring-blooming bulbs such as daffodils and tulips. As the bulb foliage yellows, the emerging Allium 'Millenium' will provide fresh color and interest.
Uses in the Garden Allium 'Millenium' can be incorporated into various garden settings:
- Borders: Its compact size and upright habit make it an excellent addition to perennial borders. Plant it alongside other mid-sized perennials with contrasting foliage and flower colors to create a dynamic and eye-catching display.
- Cottage Gardens: The vibrant blooms and informal growth habit blend well with the cottage garden style. Combine it with other flowering perennials, such as roses, lavender, and yarrow, for a romantic and abundant look.
- Rock Gardens: Allium 'Millenium' can be planted in rock gardens to add color and texture. Its drought tolerance makes it well-suited to the well-drained conditions often found in rock gardens.
- Containers: It can also be grown in containers to add interest to patios and balconies. Combine it with other drought-tolerant plants and trailing foliage for a stunning container display.
Interestingly, the blossoms and foliage of Allium 'Millenium' are edible. While not primarily a culinary variety, it belongs to the same family as onions, chives, and garlic. The flowers and leaves can add a mild onion flavor to salads, soups, or stir-fries.
Allium 'Millenium' is a remarkable ornamental onion that offers a unique combination of beauty, versatility, and ease of care. Its attractive foliage, long-lasting blooms, and pest resistance make it a valuable addition to any garden, especially as a late-summer bloomer when many other plants are fading. It thrives in a variety of garden settings and is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5-9. By following the guidelines provided in this comprehensive guide, you can successfully cultivate and enjoy this stunning and low-maintenance plant in your own outdoor space.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
