Allium 'Millenium ®'
Allium senescens ‘Millennium’
Personal evaluation
A compact selection of Allium senescens with a long and highly eye-catching flowering period. Originally planted in the border purely as an ornamental plant, but due to strong interest from customers it was quickly added to our assortment for retail sales.
A strong and reliable perennial with an exceptionally long bloom time and outstanding appeal to bees. A true pollinator magnet and, in our opinion, one of the very best perennials for the border.
Slightly lower-growing than Allium senescens ‘Summer Beauty’ and with a more intense pink-purple flower colour. A minor point of attention is a slight susceptibility to aphids and slugs; otherwise, it is very easy and trouble-free in both cultivation and garden use.
Plant type
Perennial
Flower colour
Purple / pink-purple
Flower form
Spherical umbels
Flowering period
June – September
Height
30–40 cm
Spread
Approx. 30 cm
Foliage
Blue-green, narrow, lightly twisted, aromatic
Position
Full sun
Soil
Well-drained soil; preference for dry to moderately moist conditions
Hardiness
Very hardy (approx. −25 °C)
Maintenance
Low
Key features
• Highly attractive to bees and butterflies
• Drought-tolerant once established
• Suitable for borders, rock gardens and prairie-style planting
Uses
Border plant, mass planting, combinations with ornamental grasses
Pruning
Remove spent flower heads for a tidy appearance
Origin
Allium senescens ‘Millennium’ is not a naturally occurring wild form but a selected cultivar with a well-documented origin. The species Allium senescens is native to Central and East Asia, including Mongolia, Siberia, northern China and Kazakhstan, where it grows on dry, rocky slopes and open grasslands.
The cultivar ‘Millennium’ was selected and bred in the United States by perennial plant breeder Mark McDonough. This garden selection was chosen specifically for its compact habit, long flowering period, uniform form and excellent garden performance.
Awards & recognition
In 2018, Allium ‘Millennium’ was named Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association. This award is given to perennials that excel in ornamental value, reliability and ease of maintenance.