Native to North America, Allium cernuum (Nodding Wild Allium) is a lovely and carefree summer flowering bulb with loose, nodding umbels of tiny bell-shaped, pink to lilac or even white flowers. Erect, each stem produces up to 30 flowers! These blooms are nicely complemented by narrow, strap-shaped leaves that remain attractive for a fairly long period, until they die back in late summer. Blooming in late spring to mid summer, this attractive Allium exudes an onion smell when cut or bruised. 

  • Grows in clumps, up to 12-18 in. high (30-45 cm) and 3-5 in. wide (7-12 cm), this beauty naturalizes easily and will come back year after year!
  • Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade. Light afternoon shade is appreciated in hot summer climates and sandy soils are welcomed!
  • Attracts butterflies, but deer ignore it!
  • Stunning in beds, borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens or city gardens. For best visual impact, plant in groups (at least 10 to 15 bulbs).
  • To be planted in spring (seed) or fall (bulbs).
  • Deadhead flowers before seed sets to control any unwanted spread.

Many hundreds of Allium species exist, but only a modest few have made a name for themselves as garden plants. The ornamental onions distinguish themselves by their great diversity in color, inflorescence and flowering height. Many species bloom in early summer - just after the spring-flowering period and just before the exuberant full bloom of summer. All species can be used in the border. Certain small species are just perfect for a rock garden, and several lend themselves to naturalizing.