Nodding Onion
Allium cernuum
About this plant
Allium cernuum
Type: Perennial · Family: Amaryllidaceae · Native Region: Pacific Northwest
Nodding Onion is one of our landscaping team's most planted species - we never stop singing her praises! She's got eveything: long lasting showy blooms adored by pollinators, extreme drought tolerance, and flexible planting niches. But... they have some other lesser known talents as well. Nodding Onion leaves and stems barely take up any space in a garden, allowing for dense planting and striking contrast next to other colorful species. Planted in drifts, this allium is simply breathtaking. Combined with the fact they can handle nearly any soil (just not stagnant moisture), they can be squeezed in pretty much anywhere. Alliums are also known for resisting and repelling a variety of garden pests, including slugs and aphids. Alliums are also not foraged by deer, or other browsing garden mammals. All around, allium she's a Bloomsday team favorite!
Growing Conditions
- Sun: Sun to Part Shade
- Water: Dry to Medium
- Soil: well drained, clay
- Bloom Time: May - July
- Mature Size: 1–1 ft tall, 1–1 ft wide
Attributes
- Attracts Pollinators
- Edible
- Fire Resistant
- Portland Approved Plant List
Landscape Use
Mixed Border, Pollinator Garden, Shade Garden, Hedgerow / Wildlife Corridor