Allium nigrum var. atropurpureum (Waldst. & Kit.) Vis.
Allium atropurpureum is a plant species native to Hungary, the Balkans, and Turkey.[1] It is widely grown as an ornamental for its rich, deep purple flowers.[2][3]
Description
Allium atropurpureum grows from a spherical to egg-shaped bulb. Its scape is up to 100 cm (39 in) tall. The green,[4] leaves are broadly linear, up to 7 mm across, tapering at the tip.[5] It blooms in late spring and early summer,[4] the umbel is hemispherical, with many dark purple flowers. Ovary is very dark purple, almost black.[5][6] It has a strong onion or garlic scent.[4]
The specific epithetatropurpureum, refers to the Latin term of 'deep purple, blackish-purple',[9] referring to the flower colour.
The species formerly included; Allium atropurpureum var. hirtulum Regel, which was coined in 1875,[10] referring to a Central Asian plant, now known as Allium stipitatum Regel.[1]
Distribution and habitat
It is native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia.[1][11]
It prefers to grow on cultivated ground and in dry open spaces.[12]
Cultivars
A popular bulb sold by many nurseries is Allium 'Firmament', which was developed by breeder J. Bijl in 1971 from a cross between Allium atropurpureum and Allium cristophii.[13]
