ornamental onion
Allium caeruleum
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall6 to 12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Light violet-blue
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Ornamental onion (Allium caeruleum) is a bulb for borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, and cut flowers. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist soil of most types. Deer and rabbits usually look elsewhere for a meal. Round heads of light violet-blue flowers open in summer and attract bees and butterflies. The leaves wither before the flowers open, so plant low perennials in front of the bulbs to hide them.
Pairs well with Blue fescue, Balloon flower, and Stargazer lily.
Native range
N to C Asia.