Hi All!!
What's the name of this plant in the attached pic? ? Is it an annual? Perennial? I'd like to add it to my garden...but I didn't know if this is something that is planted in the Fall?? Help? ??!!!

I'm gonna guess. Just know I am a bad Guesser unlike most people on ATP. But it's been a long time since I've guessed. Allium??

Yes, it is one of the ornamental Alliums, not sure which one though. They grow from bulbs and return each year.

There are several ornamental Alliums.
You could try looking for Allium aflatunense ‘Purple Sensation’.

Definitely allium. Some folks dig and replant the bulbs. You're in Chicago, we never had a problem overwintering in the ground in Columbus, Ohio. USDA zones/weather patterns are somewhat similar. We always left our bulbs in the ground and got a grand display of 4' tall purple flowers every summer. Haven't grown them in years, ours were older Globemasters.

It's a Fall bulb, to be technical but if someone gifts you some I'd go ahead and stick them in dirt and wait for results next year. Same as starting with bulbs planted this fall, bigger bulbs=bigger plants.

I agree; if you receive some as a gift plant them whenever you can.

If you are buying/ordering bulbs, you can research the different Allium varieties which can grow to many different heights. There is a chart on this link; click it to enlarge the image of the chart. And remember with any plant 'your mileage may vary'...meaning that the height predicted on the chart may not be the same as the plant will achieve in your growing conditions.
http://www.finegardening.com/a...

Beautiful Allium:

http://www.gardeners.com/how-t...

http://garden.org/plants/brows...