Despite its name, Allium nigrum is a white flowering onion, featuring creamy-white or pale lilac flat clusters, about 3-4 inch wide (8-10 cm), of starry silvery florets with a green center. Blooming in late spring to early summer, this spectacular Allium enjoys long-lasting blooms and remains ornamental in the garden well into summer.

  • Growing up to 18 - 24 in. high (45 - 60 cm), this beauty naturalizes easily and will come back year after year!
  • Easily grown in rich, sandy to gritty, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Drought tolerant.
  • Attracts butterflies, but deer ignore it! 
  • Stunning in beds, borders, cottage gardens, city gardens. Spectacular in large sweeping drifts. For best visual impact, plant in groups (at least 10 to 15 bulbs). Excellent as cut flowers for both fresh and dried arrangements!
  • Fragrant, it mixes beautifully with perennials and creates stunning combinations with pink Geraniums or purple Irises.
  • To be planted in fall.

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.