August Perennial of the Month-Millenium Allium

Alliums are gaining popularity, and one of my favorites is Millenium. (Yes, that is the correct spelling of the registered cultivar!) This time of year, when the spring-blooming alliums like Globemaster and Ambassador are faded memories, Millenium reminds us just how fabulous alliums are again.

The genus Allium is huge-over 700 species, including culinary bulbs like onion and garlic. Most ornamental alliums have a slight onion or garlic odor, so as cute or striking as they are, they don’t make the best cut flowers for the home because of the scent.

Allium ‘Millenium’ is a clump-forming allium that can be divided like a typical perennial. It grows 12-16” high with grass-like foliage. The purple globe-shaped flowers are long-lasting from mid to late summer.

Part sun is tolerated, but as with most allium, full sun is best. Wet or poorly drained soils lead to bulb rot and will not be tolerated.

A super easy-to-grow perennial with a lot of bang for your buck for late summer color and texture.

What I love about this plant;

-The fun, long-lasting purple blooms in late summer.

-The compact, well-behaved clumps.

-Deer AND rabbit resistant-even voles leave it alone!

What’s not so great;

-Some people find the oniony smell undesirable, but this is barely noticeable in the garden. Let your sniffer be your guide if you want to try it in arrangements either fresh or dried.

-Many alliums are prolific seeders, and EVERY seed tends to germinate. However, Millenium has reduced fertility, and reseeding is minimum. To be safe, deadhead the spent blooms before the seeds ripen.

Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

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