Native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia, particularly in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran, this perennial bulbous plant thrives in dry, rocky slopes at elevations between 4,000 and 9,000 feet, growing in well-drained soils and full sun. It develops a tall, sturdy stalk that can reach up to 36 inches in height, topped by a dense, rounded umbel composed of small, star-shaped florets with a metallic purple or lilac hue and prominent dark anthers that create a striking visual contrast. The flower heads maintain their structure for an extended period, making them suitable for both fresh and dried floral arrangements. A notable cultivar, ‘Mount Everest,’ features similar structural traits but with pure white florets and was developed for aesthetic variation in garden displays. It has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, followed by a dormant period in late summer, during which it requires dry conditions to avoid bulb rot. The plant has naturalized in parts of Eastern Europe. Commercial propagation occurs mainly in the Netherlands and the U.K., where bulbs are sold to the ornamental market. Photographed in Cundinamarca, Colombia.