TWISTY LEAVES, LIKE THE SNAKE HAIR OF MEDUSA, WITH PURPLE FLOWER POPS
FEATURES:
- Clusters of rounded amethyst-purple flowers bloom in mid-summer for many weeks
- Lush chartreuse green to silver grass-like foliage supports the blooms
- Hummingbirds and butterflies love the blooms for their rich nectar
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Easy care and low maintenance
- Hand Selected, Fresh from the Grower
- Ships in a plant-safe designed box
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Mature Height: 1-2' tall
- Mature Width: 1-2' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun/Part Shade
- Spacing: 1-2' apart
TWISTY LEAVES, LIKE THE SNAKE HAIR OF MEDUSA, WITH PURPLE FLOWER POPS
FEATURES:
- Clusters of rounded amethyst-purple flowers bloom in mid-summer for many weeks
- Lush chartreuse green to silver grass-like foliage supports the blooms
- Hummingbirds and butterflies love the blooms for their rich nectar
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Easy care and low maintenance
- Hand Selected, Fresh from the Grower
- Ships in a plant-safe designed box
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Mature Height: 1-2' tall
- Mature Width: 1-2' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun/Part Shade
- Spacing: 1-2' apart
Why plant Medusa Ornamental Onion?
This isn't the Greek monster Medusa, but the ornamental onion that has twisty leaves like the feared Medusa's hair. Don't let this allium scare you, it's only around to provide purple bloom clusters to your landscape. Great for bees and butterflies, Medusa will only bring in the visitors you want, and is resistant to pests such as deer. A distinctive plant in your landscape, Medusa will excite and not frighten!
Onions belong to a genus (Allium) that includes familiar edibles like garlic, chives, shallots, and so much more. There are around 850 species of Alliums globally, nearly all of them native to the Northern Hemisphere. Many have in typical musky-smelling foliage and uniquely arranged flower heads that form globes or starburst patterns. Millenium was bred in 2000 (hence the name) by Mark “The Onion Man” McDonough of Pepperell, Massachusetts. McDonough is an architect by trade and an amateur gardener on the side with a passion for ornamental onions. Millenium is one of his finest introductions.
How to use Medusa Ornamental Onion in the landscape?
No need to be frightened, Medusa Ornamental Onion is here to please, not harm! Medusa is a fast-growing perennial that sends up round balls of purple blooms that are long-lasting and perfect for a tabletop bouquet! Alliums are great drought-tolerant plants that have shown to be long-living. Most border situations suit it well, and it is at home in the rock garden, too. To use the flowers in arrangements, cut them as soon as they open, and they’ll last a long time in the water.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 4-8
How To Plant Medusa Ornamental Onion
Plant Medusa Ornamental Onion in a site in the all-day sun; afternoon shade may be a good idea in very hot climates. Medusa grows best in light (sandy), free-draining soils. Diseases and insect pests are rarely a problem with this carefree Spirit; deer and rabbits avoid the aromatic foliage as well.
How To Water
At time of planting, be sure to water your Millenium Ornamental Onion well. Maintain a consistent watering schedule for the first growing season to ensure root system development. After that, they are able to handle drier conditions. It has average to low water needs, withstanding periods of drought once established.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant food granular form into the soil when planting. After that, be sure to fertilize in spring each year as your Onion breaks dormancy!
How To Prune
Each fall, just before winter sets in clean up the previous years foliage and compost it. Be sure your perennials are mulched well for winter protection. Two inches of an organic mulch will do the job. Consider leaving the plant debris in place through the winter and doing your clean up on the weather warms in the spring. While it doesn't make things neat and tidy, the debris provides overwintering protection for insects, their eggs and pupae including our native Viceroy butterfly.
