ornamental onion
Allium karataviense
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size6 to 12 inches tall6 to 12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Pink
- Foliage color
- Green, purple/lavender
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Ornamental onion (Allium karataviense) is a bulb for borders, containers, rock gardens, and cottage gardens. 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 rarely make it their first choice. The broad leaves are bluish-green with purple undersides and stay lush during flowering. Plant it in groups of 3, 5, 7, or more for the best show.
Pairs well with Blue fescue, Lungwort, and Prairie dropseed.
Native range
Central Asia.