nodding onion
Allium cernuum
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size12 to 18 inches tall3 to 6 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Pink
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Nodding onion (Allium cernuum) is a bulb for borders, pollinator gardens, rock gardens, and meadows. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist soil of most types. Light pink flowers nod from the tips of the stalks in summer, and bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds visit them. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. Plant it in small groups for the best show.
Pairs well with Prairie dropseed, Moonshine yarrow, and Blue grama.
Native range
Canada to Mexico.