Plant Library

A small, clump-forming Allium native to parts of British Columbia, recognised by its nodding flower heads that lift slightly as the bells open. The soft pink flowers appear in early to midsummer and are carried on slender stems above narrow, grass-like foliage. Plants grow well in full sun and freely draining soil, and are suited to open borders, gravel gardens, and naturalistic sites. Clumps broaden slowly and may self-seed in a light, unobtrusive way. The dried heads remain tidy into early autumn.

A selected form of nodding onion with taller stems, larger flowers, and a deeper pink colouring than the species. The umbels nod in bud before lifting slightly as the bells open in early summer. Flower stems show a purplish blush, adding a subtle depth to the plant’s overall appearance. Clumps are neat and compact, well suited to open borders, gravel gardens, or naturalistic settings. As with the species, plants favour full sun and well drained soil and broaden slowly over time. Dried heads remain tidy into early autumn.

A white-flowering form of the nodding onion, native to parts of British Columbia. The flower heads arch before opening, then lift slightly as the white bells expand in early to midsummer. Stems are slender and upright, carrying the flowers above narrow, grass-like foliage. Plants prefer full sun and freely draining soil, forming small clumps that broaden slowly. Occasional self-seeding may occur in open ground but remains modest. The dried heads stay neat into early autumn.

A small-scaled form of yellow-flowered garlic with fine, upright stems and loose clusters of soft yellow florets that open gradually in midsummer. The plant remains compact, with narrow foliage that stays low and dries down cleanly once flowering finishes. Its size and form make it suitable for gravel gardens, scree, and other lean, sun-exposed sites where drainage is strong. Clumps broaden slowly and remain orderly throughout the season.

A tall, slender allium with pale yellow flowers held in tight, rounded heads on firm, upright stems. Leaves are broad and twisted, giving the plant an early structural presence before the stems rise. Different forms exist in cultivation, some flowering in late spring and others in early summer, but all share the same clean, restrained character. Clumps emerge early in the season, often as early as February, and are most effective when planted in small groups. Prefers full sun and well drained soil, developing into a long-lived, steady performer.

A compact selection of A. senescens with tight rosettes of blue-grey foliage that twist into small, spiralled whorls. The leaves hold their structure and colour through the growing season, forming neat, low clumps suited to edging and rock work. Soft lilac-pink flowers rise just above the foliage in midsummer, attracting bees and other small pollinators. As with the species, plants are durable, long lived, and tolerant of heat and lean soils when drainage is good. Seed heads remain tidy into early autumn.

A compact subspecies with blue-glaucous leaves that curve and twist, forming low, tidy clumps from early spring onward. Rounded heads of dark lilac flowers appear in late summer, rising just above the foliage. The plant maintains its presence from spring through autumn and is particularly effective in the foreground of sunny plantings. Clumps broaden steadily and may self-seed lightly in favourable conditions. Prefers full sun and well drained soil, showing good durability in heat and lean sites.

A late-blooming ornamental onion valued for its glossy, dark green foliage and compact form. Dense purple-red flower heads appear from early autumn into mid fall, bringing colour when most alliums have finished. As the season cools, the foliage shifts to yellow and orange tones, extending the plant’s visual interest. Dried heads persist well into winter and remain tidy. Clumps stay narrow and upright, showing no self-seeding in the garden. Performs best in full sun with well drained soil and pairs naturally with smaller and medium grasses.