Ornamental Onions are very easy to grow in full sun to partial shade ( unless otherwise noted ) on just about any well drained soil. Alliums are not eaten by deer or rabbit, in fact they are repulsive to deer. The bulbs are planted, from 4 to 8 inches deep depending on variety ( most store bought bulbs come with directions, replant divided clumps at the same depth they were originally ). The Alliums are usually planted during autumn.
Alliums make a great companion plant for Roses as they are reported to lessen incidences of Powdery Mildew and Black Spot on immediately adjacent plants.
Propagation is from seed ( often requires stratification ), offsets or aerial bulbils.
The larger Alliums are great for large perennial borders; the smaller types are good for rock gardens, edging and containers. The flowers attract butterflies.
* photo of unknown internet source
Allium aflatunense ( Persian Onion )
Stiff upright in habit, reaching a maximum size of 5.3 x 2 ( rarely over 3 ) feet, native to China.
The leaves are up to 20 x 4 inches.
The purplish-blue, star-shaped flowers are borne in globular inflorescences, up to 5.5 inches across, during late spring.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. Plant 7 inches deep and 8 inches apart.
* photos taken on May 8 2023 in Columbia, MD
'Purple Sensation'
Similar with violet-purple flowerheads.
* photos taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
Allium 'Ambassador'
Reaches up to 52 inches in height, bearing huge, sterile, deep purple flowerheads, up to 8 inches across, lasting over a long period during summer.
The long lasting foliage, up to 20 inches in height, is bright green.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.
* photo of unknown internet source
Allium azureum ( Blue Flowered Onion )
A Siberian native, reaching up to 1.5 feet, bearing mid-blue flowers in rounded clusters, up to 1.5 inches across, during early summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 in full sun to partial shade. Easy to grow and often self sows.
* photo of unknown internet source
Allium beesianum
This Chinese native, reaches a maximum size of 20 x 6 inches.
The grassy leaves are up to 8 inches in length.
The bright blue to purple, bell-shaped flowers, are borne in loose, nodding, rounded inflorescences up to 2 inches across during mid summer.
Allium caeruleum ( Azure Onion )
Also called Blue Globe Onion. Reaches a maximum size of 38 inches x 1.5 ( usually half that ) feet, and is a widespread native to Russia, central Asia and northwest China. It looks great planted in groups or mass plantings.
The leaves are up to 18 ( rarely over 12 ) inches in length, dry up and wither by the time blooming begins.
The small, bright blue, starry flowers are borne in dense rounded inflorescences, up to 2 inches wide, atop stiff stems during early summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 9. Prefers hot dry summer.
* photos taken on June 16 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 10 2017 in Columbia, MD
Allium caesium
A bulbous perennial, reaching up to 32 inches in height, bearing bright blue flowers on dense rounded clusters during early summer.
It is native to western Siberia; south to central Asia and northwestern China, often found on salty, semi-desert. It looks great planted in mass.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun on sandy, very well drained soil.
* excellent photo link
http://www.fotomontaro.com/flora/allia/allium_caesium01.shtml
Allium cernuum ( Nodding Onion )
A rapid spreading, clumping perennial, reaching a maximum size of 28 inches x 1 foot, that is native to North America ( from Atlin, British Columbia to Peace River, Alberta to central Ontario to New York State; south to Oregon to Wyoming to North Dakota to eastern Missouri to far northern Georgia to central North Carolina...also south to northern Mexico in the high Rockies ). It is endangered in Ontario with the only remaining populations in Essex and Elgin Counties. In the Windsor/Essex County region; it was considered locally abundant on the Lake Erie Islands as well as the Ohio shore during the 1800s. It is found in prairies and savanna in the wild.
The grass-like leaves, up to 20 inches in length, are deep green.
The white to deep pink, bell-shaped flowers are borne in loose, drooping inflorescences of up to 40 during late spring. The flowers usually last 3 to 4 weeks. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.
The bulbs are edible.
Hardy zones 2 to 7 in full sun to partial shade on just about any well drained soil. Very soil and drought tolerant.
* photo taken on Aug 1 2013 in Stratford, Ontario
* photo taken on Aug 5 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* historic archive photo
Allium christophii ( Star of Persia )
Also called Allium albopilosum & Persian Onion. It is a bulbous perennial, reaching up to 3 x 2 ( typically 2 x 1.5 ) feet, that is native from western Iran to central Asia.
The leaves, up to 20 x 1 inches in size, are hairy beneath.
The silvery-lilac, star-shaped flowers are borne on huge, open, globular inflorescences, up to 15 ( rarely over 12 ) inches across, during late spring.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. The bulbs should be planted 7 inches deep.
* photo of unknown internet source
* photos taken on May 29 2022 in Columbia, MD
Allium cyaneum
Reaches up to 1.5 feet x 10 feet, and is native to western China.
The grassy-like leaves are green.
The intense deep-blue, nodding flowers are borne in sparse inflorescences during mid summer.
Allium flavum ( Small Yellow Onion )
Reaches up to 2 feet x 8 inches, and is native to southern Europe into western Asia.
The grass-like leaves are up to 8 inches in length, are blue-green.
The golden-yellow, urn-shaped flowers are borne in loose, rounded inflorescences, up to 3 inches across, during late spring. The flowers are sweetly fragrant.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 but prefers hot summer sun.
Allium giganteum ( Giant Onion )
Reaches a maximum size of 6.5 x 3 ( rarely over 4 ) feet, and is native from Iran to central Asia. It looks amazing planted in groups.
The lance-shaped leaves are up to 40 x 8 inches.
The deep pink to violet-purple, star-shaped flowers are borne in dense, globular inflorescences, up to 10 inches across, during early to mid summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8. The bulbs should be planted 8.5 inches deep.
* photos taken on May 15 2013 in Columbia, MD
Allium 'Gladiator'
Lavender-purple flowers borne on dense, rounded clusters, up to 6 inches wide, atop stems up to 4 feet tall, during early summers. It is adored by butterflies and bees.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil.
Allium 'Globemaster'
A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 6 feet, that is the hybrid between Allium christophii & A. macleanii. Looks best planted in groups of 3 to 6. Definately a plant to impress your neighbors and stop traffic.
The deep green, strap-shaped leaves are up to 40 inches in length.
The deep violet-purple flowers are borne in huge dense inflorescences up to 10 inches across. Each inflorescence may contain up to 1100 flowers.
The flowers are borne from late spring, lasting up to 6 weeks or more.
The Globemaster Allium is great for adding color to your garden during that very green transitional period when spring blooms are finished and the summer blooms are still some time away.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 ( 2 on protected sites with deep mulch ) in full sun on fertile, humus-rich, well drained soil. Dryish conditions are preferred while dormant. Deer resistant. Propagation is from offsets separated from parent plant and planted during autumn. Plant the bulbs 6 to 8 inches deep and apart. Divide during late summer if clumps become overcrowded. Bulbs can be planted during late summer and fall.
* photos taken on May 16 2011 in Washington, D.C.
* photo of unknown internet source
Allium karataviense ( Turkestan Onion )
Reaching a maximum size of 16 x 20 inches, and is native to Turkestan. Great for borders and rock gardens.
The attractive, elliptical leaves, up to 12 x 5 inches, are bluish.
The grayish-white to rose-pink flowers, are borne on long-lasting, rounded inflorescences up to 8 inches across, during late spring.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun.
* historical archive photo
'Ivory Queen'
White flowers.
Allium macleanii
Reaches up to 3 feet in height, with glossy, broad leaves topped by purplish-red flower clusters atop 3 foot stems.
Hardy zones 4 to 8.
Allium 'Millenium'
Vigorous in habit, reaching up to 20 x 22 inches.
The attractive, strap-shaped leaves are glossy, deep green.
The rose-pink flowers are borne on large, globe-shaped inflorescences, up to 2.5 inches across, during late summer ( late July and all August ). Very profuse blooming, a mature plant can have up to 60 globes at a time. It does not produce seed.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on just about any well drained soil including clay.
* photos taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
* photo taken on Aug 1 2022 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photos taken on July 10 2024 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
Allium moly ( Golden Garlic )
Fast growing to invasive, reaching a maximum size of 20 inches x 1 feet, and is native to Europe. Forms dense, wide spreading clumps and can be used as seasonal groundcover.
The narrow leaves, up to 12 x 2 inches, are gray-green to blue-green.
The golden-yellow, starry flowers, borne in inflorescences up to 3.2 inches across, during late spring to early summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 on fertile, well drained soil, preferring hot summers though with partial shade. Very drought tolerant. The bulbs should be planted 3.5 inches deep.
* photos taken on May 26 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on June 1 2014 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA
Allium 'Mt. Sinai'
Vigorous growing, reaching up to 14 inches in height, with very large, lavender-purple flowers borne over a very long season from mid summer through early autumn.
hardy zones 3 to 8
Allium narcissiflorum
A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 16 inches x 1 foot, and is native to Italy.
The leaves are up to 7 inches in length.
The pink to deep-red, bell-shaped flowers, are borne in sparse inflorescences during early summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8. Prefers hot summmers and hates excessive winter wetness.
* photo taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
Allium neapolitanum ( Naples Onion )
Also called Daffodil Garlic. A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 x 1 feet, and is native to the Mediterranean ( southern Europe and northern Africa ).
The leaves are up to 14 x 0.8 inches.
The fragrant, white flowers, up to 1 inch long, borne in loose inflorescences up to 4.5 inches across, during late spring. Up to 30 flowers may be borne in an inflorescence.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 in full sun on fertile, sandy, well drained soil. Plant bulbs 4 inches deep during autumn. Propagation is from bulb offsets or seed sown in a cold frame upon ripening.
Allium nigrum
Also called A. multibulbosum. It forms a bulbous perennial, reaching up to 3 feet.
The upright strap-shaped leaves are mid-green.
The white flowers are borne on dense flowerheads, up to 3 inches across, during late spring. The flowers are borne atop gray stems.
Hardy zones 4 to 8. The bulbs should be planted 5.5 inches deep.
Allium ostrowskianum
Also called Allium oreophilum. A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 16 x 9 inches, and is native to western and central Asia. Looks great interplanted with low perennials and groundcover.
The attractive leaves, up to 8 inches in length, are silvery-gray.
The showy, deep pink to rose-pink, starry flowers, borne in abundant, rounded inflorescences up to 2 inches across, during early summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 in full sun to partial shade, preferring hot summers and sandy or gravelly soils. Easy to grow.
'Zwanenburg'
Rich deep pink flowers.
Allium pulchellum ( Keeled Garlic )
Also called Allium carinatum subsp. pulchellum. A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 x 2 feet, and is native to the southern Alps in Europe.
The very narrow leaves are up to 8 inches in length.
The small, reddish-purple flowers are borne in graceful, loose inflorescences, up to 2 inches across, during early to mid summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8.
'Album'
White flowers, otherwise identical.
Allium ramosum
Also called Allium odorum. A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3 x 3 feet, and is native from Siberia to the Pacific coast; south to central Asia.
The leaves are up to 14 inches in length.
The fragrant, white ( dark eyed ) flowers are borne in flat inflorescences during late summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 on sandy, well drained soils.
Allium rosenbachianum
A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 4 feet x 20 inches ( rarely over 3 feet ).
The leaves are up to 20 x 2 inches in size.
The deep-pink to violet, star-shaped flowers are borne in dense, globular inflorescences up to 6 inches across, during late spring.
Hardy zones 4 to 8
'Album'
White flowers.
Allium roseum
A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 feet x 10 inches, and is native to Eurasia.
The bright pink, starry flowers are borne in loose, globular inflorescences up to 4 inches across, during early summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 on a warm sunny site. Propagation is from division of overcrowded older clumps.
'Grandiflorum'
Larger and more vigorous, reaching a maximum height of 4 feet.
Allium sativum ( Garlic )
* photo taken on Aug 14 2015 in Columbia, MD
A multi purpose plant, that is both beautiful in the garden and also great for the kitchen. Chives form a clump, reaching a maximum size of 2 x 3 feet. It is native to much of northern Eurasia and North America ( from northwest Alaska to northwestern Northwest Territories to far northern Ontario to Labrador & Newfoundland; south to Oregon to Idaho to Colorado to northern Minnesota to southern Michigan to most of New York State ). It is found on moist prairie in the wild.
The bright green, linear leaves, up to 14 inches in length, are often chopped up and used for onion seasoning. They are great added to salad.
The purplish-pink flowers are borne during late spring into early summer.
They are hardy zones 1 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil.
* photo taken on May 5 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on May 16 2011 in Washington, D.C.
* photo of unknown internet source
* photos taken on May 18 2013 @ London Town Gardens, Edgewater, MD
* photos taken on May 7 2014 @ London Town Gardens, Edgewater, MD
'Album'
Showy pure white flowers.
'Forescate' ( Giant Chives )
Vigorous growing, with much larger rosey-purple flower balls.
'Pink Giant'
Vigorous, reaching up to 2 feet, with bluish foliage that turns to yellow during autumn.
The large flowers are pink.
Allium schubertii ( Fireworks Onion )
A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 x 2 feet, and is native to
The bright green, strap-shaped leaves are up to 18 x 1 inches in size.
The bright rosy-pink to light purple, starry flowers are borne in globular inflorescences up to 12 ( rarely over 6 ) inches across, during early summer. The flowers last over a period up to 10 days.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun on well drained soil, requiring a warm site protected from excessive wind. The bulbs should be planted 6 inches deep and mulched deeply during winter north of zone 7.
Allium senescens ( Pink Curly Onion )
A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 feet x 20 inches, and is native from central Europe to Siberia; south to Mongolia, northern China and Korea.
The twisted, strap-shaped leaves, up to 12 inches in length, are blue-green.
The bright rose-pink to purplish flowers are borne in dense globular inflorescences up to 2 inches across, from mid-summer to early autumn.
Hardy zones 1 to 7 in full sun to partial shade on any well drained soil including clay. Drought tolerant. Deadhead old blooms to encourage continuous bloom.
* photo taken on June 10 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on July 30 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Aug 1 2014 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Aug 10 2016 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on July 27 2019 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on July 9 2020 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on July 27 2020 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Aug 18 2020 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on July 21 2021 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Aug 3 2023 in Columbia, MD
'Blue Twister'
Corkscrew blue foliage.
Allium siculum
A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 4 feet x 20 inches, and is native to southwestern Europe.
The aromatic, lance-shaped leaves are up to 24 x 2 inches in size.
The pendulous, greenish ( purple marked ) flowers are borne in loose inflorescences up to 4 inches across, during late spring to early summer.
Hardy zones 6 to 9. The bulbs should be planted 2.5 inches deep.
Allium sphaerocephalum ( Drumstick Allium )
A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 4 feet x 20 inches ( rarely over 3 feet ), and is native to
The narrow, grass-like leaves are up to 30 ( rarely over 20 ) inches in size. It should not be planted alone but will look stunning in mass plantings.
The deep reddish-purple flowers are borne on abundant, dense, oval inflorescences up to 2.4 inches across, over a long period during mid-summer.
Hardy zones 1 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. Plant bulbs 3 inches deep and 4 inches apart.
* photo taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Glauca'
Vigorous with lavender flowers; otherwise identical to the species.
* photo of unknown internet source
Allium stellatum ( Prairie Onion )
A bulbous perennial, reaching up to 2 ( rarely over 1.3 ) foot, that is native from Beauval, Saskatchewan to The Pas, Manitoba to Dryden, Ontario to Thunder Bay, Ontario; south to central Texas to central Tennessee ). It is found in open woods and prairie in the wild.
The narrow, flattened leaves are up to 12 inches in length. The foliage usually dies back by late summer.
The reddish-pink flowers are borne on rounded clusters, up to 3 inches wide, during mid to late summer.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on dry, alkaline, well drained soil.
* photo of unknown internet source
Allium stipitatum
A bulbous perennial, reaching up to 5 feet, that is native from mountains of Turkey to the Tien Shans in central Asia.
The basal leaves are gray-green. The leaves are up to 2 inches wide.
The pink flowers are borne on dense rounded clusters, up to 7 inches across, during early summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun on well drained soil.
'Mt. Everest'
Reaches up to 4 ( rarely over 3 ) feet in height, with huge, pure white flower heads, up to 6 inches across, borne on sturdy stems during early summer. Each flower cluster contains up to 50 flowers which can persist up to 3 weeks. Looks great plants with blue flowers especially Nepeta.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.
'White Giant'
White flowers on huge rounded flower balls, up to 8 inches across. The foliage remains until the flowering is complete.
Allium tanguticum 'Summer Beauty.
A perennial, reaching up to 1.8 x 2 feet in size, that is native to Tibet and western China.
The strap-shaped foliage is glossy deep green, turning to golden-yellow during autumn.
The abundant, lavender-pink flowers are borne on clusters, up to 1.5 inches wide, during mid to late summer. This cultivar is sterile therefore not self seeding.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade. Drought tolerant.
Allium taquetti
A vigorous perennial, reaching up to 15 inches in height.
The bright purple flowers are borne on rounded clusters during autumn.
Hardy zones 6 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.
Allium texanum ( Texas Onion )
Also called Nothoscordum bivalve and Nothoscordum texanum. A perennial, reaching up to 2 x 1.5 feet, that is native to bottomlands in the central U.S. ( from central Arizona to central Kansas to southeast Nebraska to central Indiana to southern Ohio to western Maryland; south to Mexico to central Florida ). It is endangered in Nebraska, Indiana and Ohio.
The blue-gray foliage, up to 0.5 inches wide, goes dormant by late summer, reappearing during autumn.
The white flowers are borne on huge domes during late spring into early summer.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 in full sun on well drained soil. It is drought tolerant.
Allium thunbergii ( Japanese Onion )
A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 x 1.3 foot, that is native to grassy slopes and woodland edge in central China, Manchuria, Korea and Japan.
The linear leaves are up to 20 x 0.2 inches in size. The deep green foliage turns attractive orange during autumn.
The bright purple flowers are borne in rounded flowerheads, up to 2.5 inches wide, during early to mid autumn.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on moderately moist, well drained soil.
'Alba'
White flowers, otherwise identical to species.
'Ozawa'
Slightly shorter ( to 1 foot ) with slightly larger flower heads. It is spectacular in bloom.
Allium tricoccum ( Wild Leek )
An edible member of the Onion family, native to bottomland forest and moist, rich upland woodland in eastern North America ( from southeast Manitoba to Duluth, Minnesota to Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Manitoulin Island to Tobermory, Ontario to Petawawa, Ontario to southeast Quebec to Nova Scotia; south to eastern South Dakota to central Missouri to central Tennessee to western North Carolina to Maryland ). In the Windsor/Essex County, Ontario region; it was widespread and abundant during the 1800s but has declined considerably since. It also occurred sporadically on the Ohio shore during the presettlement era. It is now rare or threatened in Nova Scotia and Maine.
The oblanceolate leaves are up to 12 x 2 inches in size. The foliage is deep green. The foliage appears during very early spring and dies back by the time summer begins.
The white flowers are borne on rounded heads, up to 2 inches wide, during mid-summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 in partial to full shade on moist soil.
Allium triquetrum ( Triangle Onion )
A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 20 inches x 1 foot, that is native to southern Europe.
It is great for naturalizing in woodland gardens, may be too invasive for a smaller garden.
The narrow, deep green leaves, up to 15 inches in length, are very aromatic.
The drooping, white, bell-shaped flowers are borne in inflorescences up to 2.8 inches across, during late spring.
Hardy zones 3 to 8.
Allium tuberosum ( Chinese Chives )
Also called Garlic Chives. A fast growing to invasive perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3 x 3 ( rarely over 2 ) feet, that is native to central and southeastern China.
The leaves are up to 14 inches in length. The foliage is mid-green.
The fragrant, white ( dark eyed ) flowers, up to 0.2 inches long, are borne in flat inflorescences late-summer to early autumn.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun.
* photo taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
* photos taken @ U.S. Botanical Garden, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014
Allium unifolium ( One-Leafed Onion )
A fast growing to invasive perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 x 1 feet, and is native to coastal ranges in California.
The leaves are up to 12 inches in length.
The rosey-pink flowers are borne in loose, globular inflorescences up to inches across, during mid to late spring.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun on well drained soil.
Allium ursinum ( Ramsons )
A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 20 inches x 2 feet.
The aromatic leaves are up to 8 x 3 inches in size.
The pure white flowers are borne in somewhat flat inflorescences, up to 2.5 inches wide, during mid spring.
Hardy zones 4 to 8
* photos of unknown internet source
Allium virgunculae
A low growing, dwarf Chives reaching a height of only 6 inches and bearing deep purple flowers from mid to late autumn.
Hardy zones 3 to 8
Allium zebdanense
A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 feet x 8 inches, and is native to
The white, bell-shaped flowers are borne in inflorescences up to 2 inches across, during mid to late spring.
Hardy zones 8 to 9
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