Plant Calculator
Enter the approximate length and width of the area you will be planting and click 'Calculate' to determine how many Allium cernuum you will need.
Correct and successful spacing is complex and depends on project conditions. We encourage you to call us at 877-ECO-PLUG for project specific recommendations and further assistance.
Allium cernuum
nodding onion
- Category: Perennial, Native
- Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Height: 12-18 Inches
- Spread: 8-10 Inches
- Spacing: 6-12 Inches
- Bloom Color: Pink
- Foliage Color: Blue
Found on ledges, in dry meadows, gravel, rocky or wooded slopes, this delicate onion has gently nodding pink flowers in late spring. Beautiful in the garden or naturalized in a meadow. Easy, dependable and very drought tolerant once established.
Wetland Indicator Status
| • | Falcutative Upland (FACU) |
Plug Type
| • | Landscape Plug™ |
Season of Interest (Flowering)
| • | Summer |
Propagation Type
| • | Open pollinated |
Additional Information about Allium cernuum
Allium cernuum is a beautiful and adaptable perennial bulb. An essential plant to consider for tough urban sites!
Although widely distributed throughout the United States, it is uncommon. It is threatened in some states including New York, Iowa and Minnesota. Allium cernuum is native to mesic prairies and other sites with well-drained sandy, loamy or rocky soil conditions.
The adaptability of Allium cernuum is downright impressive. Despite its nativity to mesic and even moist soils, we've seen this species thrive in the toughest places. It blooms boldly and even re-seeds in the blazing sun on our green roof, shows off along curbs in sand-based urban stormwater systems, and fits beautifully in the light shade of woodland edge plantings. Once established, this native bulb is extremely drought tolerant. Its semi-evergreen basal foliage prevents soil erosion through our mid-Atlantic winters.
Its nodding pink flowers are a important nutritional source for bees. Humans can eat this plant too. The entire plant, from foliage to bulb, has a distinctive onion scent and flavor.
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Allium cernuum
Best in full sun in moist, average or dry soil. Very easy to grow and drought tolerant once established. Will tolerate light shade, but will give best show in full sun.