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Purple Ball Plants #948184

Asked November 06, 2026, 12:21 PM EST

I'd appreciate if you could let me know the name of this plant and how/when to prune it.

Purple Ball Plant.pdf

Genesee County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello,

That plant is an allium, probably garlic chives (Allium tuberosum). Read about it here: https://plantfinder.mobot.org/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=u770

And here: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/garlic-chives-allium-tuberosum/

And here: https://extension.umn.edu/garden-and-home/yard-and-garden/gardening-in-minnesota/growing-chives

You can cut them back at any time, after they have flowered and in the fall.

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 07, 2026, 12:12 PM EST

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