This plant is a member of the onion family, so the leaves resemble those of onions, chives and garlic. As an ornamental onion, it was bred to have a large, tight, softball-sized globe of lilac purple florets up to 8 inches in diameter which attracts bees and butterflies in late spring.

'Gladiator' grows to around 3-4 feet in height and prefers sunny well-drained locations. While spectacular on its own, it pairs well with peonies and irises which bloom at around the same time. The flower head can be dried for flower arrangements.