Tall flower purple ball top refers to a type of ornamental flowering plant that produces spheres of rich purple flowers on tall stalks This eye-catching plant is easy to grow and adds a striking visual element to gardens and landscapes
What is a Tall Flower Purple Ball Top?
The tall flower purple ball top plant, also known by its botanical name Allium hollandicum ‘Purple Sensation’, is a type of ornamental onion grown for its decorative floral display. In mid to late spring, this perennial plant produces dozens of round flower heads made up of tiny purple florets. Each flower head is around the size of a tennis ball and sits atop a strong, tall stem around 2-3 feet high.
Once the flowers fade, oval shaped seed pods develop The foliage of tall flower purple ball top is slender and grass-like, providing an attractive backdrop for the vibrant blooms However, the foliage dies back entirely by midsummer.
Key Features of Tall Flower Purple Ball Top:
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Flowers: 2-3 inch diameter spheres composed of small, star-shaped purple florets
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Bloom time: Mid to late spring
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Flower color: Rich purple
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Plant height: 24-36 inches tall
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Spread: 6-12 inches wide
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Foliage: Slender, grass-like leaves that die back by midsummer
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Hardiness: USDA zones 4-9
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Native habitat: Originally from Iran
Growing Tall Flower Purple Ball Top
Luckily, tall flower purple ball top is very easy to grow. Here are some key tips for success:
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Planting: Plant bulbs in the fall, spacing them 8-12 inches apart. Choose a spot with full sun exposure. Well-drained soil is a must.
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Care: Provide supplemental water during droughts until established. Little fertilization is required. Cut back faded flower stems in midsummer.
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Performance: Extremely hardy, deer and rodent resistant, tolerates poor soils, and does well in hot, dry climates.
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Design uses: Plant in groups or masses of 10+ bulbs for best visual impact.Combines nicely with other spring bloomers. Accents entryways, borders, rock gardens.
Why Grow Tall Flower Purple Ball Top?
What makes tall flower purple ball top so popular? Here are some of the benefits of adding this flower to your landscape:
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Provides a striking floral display in spring when little else is in bloom. The rich purple color is eye-catching.
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Easy care requirements make it ideal for beginners and busy gardeners.
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Pest and disease resistance means less maintenance and interventions needed.
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Drought tolerance allows it to thrive without much watering or care.
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Deer/rodent resistance means you can enjoy the flowers without wildlife destroying them.
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Versatile in terms of design – works in borders, rock gardens, containers, and more.
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Good cut flowers that can be used in arrangements. Dried seed heads have ornamental value too.
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Suitable for many climates given its hardiness to cold winters and hot summers.
Alternative Plants to Consider
While tall flower purple ball top offers some nice benefits, it may not be the best choice for all gardens. Here are a few alternative purple flowering plants to consider:
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Allium christophii (Star of Persia allium) – Similar look but flowers are lighter lavender.
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Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ (Caradonna sage) – Spikes of purple flowers on taller stems.
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Nepeta x faassenii ‘Walker’s Low’ (Walker’s Low catmint) – Groundcover with blue-purple blooms.
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Veronica spicata (Spike speedwell) – Dense upright purple flower spikes in early summer.
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Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove beardtongue) – Native wildflower with tall spikes of tubular purple flowers.
With its eye-catching purple floral spheres atop tall stems, it’s easy to see why tall flower purple ball top has become a garden favorite. This hardy, low-maintenance bulb provides a beautiful pop of spring color and is versatile enough to work in many different garden designs and climates. For best results, plant bulbs in groups, provide full sun, and enjoy the vibrant blossoms!
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Ive been gardening and writing about gardening for more than 20 years, yet I find Im always learning new things about the plants, insects and other critters that call my backyard home. Thats the great thing about gardening — its never boring! Ive worked as a landscaper, on an organic farm, as a research technician in a plant pathology lab and ran a small cut-flower business, all of which inform my garden writing. Someone once asked me when Ill be finished with my gardens, to which I replied, “Never!” For me, gardening is a process, not a goal. Horiculture review by
Maria Genovese is our staff Copywriter at Gardeners Supply. Maria holds an MA in Writing & Publishing from DePaul University—and her passion for gardening is just as strong as her writing skills. She recently worked as a Landscape Gardener at Mama’s Gardens in the Champlain Islands and completed the “Thriving Gardens” course through the Vermont Garden Network. She is participating in the University of Vermont Master Gardener program in 2025.
Last updated: March 27, 2025 | 4 min read
Onions, shallots and garlic are members of the allium family that belong in the vegetable garden. But there are many ornamental alliums that deserve a hearty welcome in your perennial gardens.
Alliums are plants of exquisite beauty in both flower and leaf, with tough constitutions. These easy-to-grow bulbs come in a broad palette of colors, heights, bloom times and flower forms. They make excellent cut flowers for fresh or dried bouquets. Even crowded gardens can accommodate a few alliums because they dont take up much space. Whats more, alliums are relatively resistant to deer, voles, chipmunks, and rabbits
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FAQ
What are the flowers with tall purple balls?
Allium flowers are generally ball-shaped in appearance and can range in size from a marble to a small grapefruit. Purple is the dominant color, however various shades of violet, pink and white are also common.
Do giant alliums come back every year?
How many years do alliums last? Alliums are perennials so will last many years but will need to be divided every 3-4 years.
What to do with giant alliums after flowering?
After giant alliums finish flowering, it’s best to leave the foliage intact until it turns yellow and withers, as the leaves are still gathering energy for the bulb.
What is the flower with a big purple ball?
The Giant Allium adds a wonderful element to a garden and will even catch the eye of the non-gardeners! These huge flowers blossom the size of softballs with a gorgeous purple color and sway atop sturdy stems in late spring.