The appeal of alliums is not in the foliage, which tends to be rather sparse and grass-like, but in the colorful flower clusters that perch atop tall stalks. Usually roughly spherical in shape, these umbels of tiny star-shaped flowers appear as ethereal balls of color in the garden, magically floating above the other plants. Grow ornamental onions in full sun and well-draining soil. They need an adequate amount of moisture consistently, but their bulbs don’t like to be waterlogged. Since they perform better in fertile ground (they like nitrogen), mix plenty of compost into the soil. After blooming, let the foliage die back of its own accord, and remember to water the plants during this period. Purple allium flowers are deer-resistant and rabbit-proof. Even rodents leave them alone. Here are 10 allium types of allium, in a wide range of purple hues, to consider for your garden.

Another factor to consider when deciding upon suitable companions is plant texture. The coarse flower head of an allium such as ‘Ambassador’ will contrast nicely with the more delicate flowers of Six Hills Giant catmint, for example.

Native Area: Hungary, TurkeyUSDA Growing Zones: 4–8Height: 2–3 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 4–8Height: 3–4 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 5–8Height: 18–30 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Iran, Kyrgyzstan USDA Growing Zones: 4–10Height: 24–32 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Central AsiaUSDA Growing Zones: 4–10Height: 14–20 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Central and western AsiaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–8Height: 3–5 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Iran, Turkey, central AsiaUSDA Growing Zones: 4–8Height: 1–2 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Eastern Mediterranean, central AsiaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–8Height: 1–2 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 5–7Height: 2–4 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 3–4 feetSun Exposure: Full sun