James H. Schutte
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
ALLIUM cernuum
Plant Common Name
Nodding Onion
General Description
Distinguished by its nodding flower heads and its relatively long season of bloom, this small to medium-sized bulbous perennial is among the most popular of the ornamental onions. It is native to slopes, prairies, and open woodlands throughout much of North America.
Plants form clumps of flattened, arching, grass-like leaves, arising from narrow bulbs with grayish, fibrous coats. In late spring and summer, bulbs produce solitary flower stems, each bearing a domed cluster of 20 to 30 purple-pink to white flowers at its down-curved apex. The cup-shaped blooms attract butterflies and bees. Some bulbs produce a succession of flower stems, blooming for several weeks in all. Small tan capsules follow the flowers, casting seed which often germinates. The leaves do not wither at bloom time, as do those of most other onions. All parts of the plant are nearly odorless.
Plant this charming ornamental onion in full to partial sun and well-drained soil. It works well in mixed borders, wildflower plantings, and cottage gardens. A highly variable species, it has given rise to several named varieties and hybrids, including the white-flowered 'Leo'.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Pink
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Fruit Color
Yellow Green, Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
