Allium cernuum

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Nodding Onion

ALLIUM (Liliaceae) ornamental onion

Allium offer clean vertical accents in the border, with rounded or domed flower heads held above the foliage. They are straightforward to grow in full sun and freely draining soil, and their simple, architectural shapes work easily with a wide range of perennials and grasses. As the flowers fade, many species leave dry seed heads that persist well into autumn, carrying the season quietly forward. The mild onion scent in the foliage helps deter browsing wildlife, adding to their reliability in both designed and naturalistic plantings.

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.

$8.00

Out of stock

Light: full sun

Moisture: average to dry

Soil: well drained; accepts sandy or rocky soils

Hardiness zone: 3

Maintenance: low; remove fading growth as needed; allow modest self-seeding

Height (cm): 30

Spread (cm): 30

Habit: narrow, clump-forming perennial

Flowering period: June–Aug

Seasonal interest: midsummer bloom; clean dried heads

Foliage: green

Flower: soft pink

Wildlife value: visited by small bees and generalist pollinators

Deer/Rabbit resistance: yes

Habitat: gravel gardens; sunny borders; rockeries; native plantings; naturalistic schemes

Features: nodding umbels; BC native; gentle clump-former

Notes: neat scale and habit; works well in small groups or scattered informally

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Allium cernuum

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