Allium nutans (Siberian Chives)

Allium nutans (Siberian Chives) is a bulbous perennial forming a clump of broad, flat, blue to gray-green, basal leaves. Blooming in in mid to late summer, 2-inch rounded umbels (5 cm) of pink, rose, or mauve florets are borne atop leafless stems well above the foliage. They are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Siberian Chives are edible and highly ornamental. The leaves have a mild chive-like flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked.

• Grows up to 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 cm). 
• Thrives in reasonably fertile, moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade.
• Chives are great additions to herb gardens, vegetable gardens, rock gardens, border fronts, or containers.
• Chives attract bees and butterflies, but their strong smell turns away deer.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, onion white rot, and downy mildew.
• Deadhead after flowering.
• Propagate by seed or division in spring or autumn.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Allium nutans is native to European Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Tibet, Xinjiang, and Asiatic Russia where it grows in wet meadows and other damp locations.

Hundreds of Allium species exist, but only a few have made a name for themselves as garden plants. The ornamental onions distinguish themselves by their remarkable 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. Certain small species are perfect for a rock garden, and several lend themselves to naturalizing. All species can be used in the border.