Allium senescens ssp. glaucum

German Onion, Circle Onion

Herbaceous Bulb / Corm / Tuber, Perennial

Outstanding Qualities
The striking feature of the ornamental German onion is blue-green to gray-green leaves that distinctively swirl and twist, followed by an abundance of pink to purple spherical flowers in midsummer. Attractive to bees, butterflies, & hummingbirds, but not to deer!

Culture Notes
Plant this bulb in full sun for best growth and flowering, although it will tolerate light to open shade. The soil should be well-drained and sandy soils are fine. Drought tolerant once established.

—Courtesy Great Plant Picks

Growing Conditions

Zone: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Filtered Sun, Reflected Heat

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Low, Occasional

Soil: Gritty, Sandy, Well-drained

Description

Size: 18 - 24 tall x 12 - 18 wide
Shape / Form: Clumping, Irregular
Foliage Texture: Medium
Foliage Quality: Medium

Features: Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies, Drought-tolerant / Water wise, Flowers, Low Maintenance

Foliage Color: Silver / Gray

Flower Color: Pink
Bloom Season: Jun, Jul, Summer
Flower Shape: Sphere

Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Beds and Borders, Cutting Garden, Hell Strip
Special Situations: Deer Resistant, Low Water / No Water, Rabbit Resistant, Reflected Heat
Wildlife: Bees, Butterflies, Deer Resistant, Hummingbirds, Pollinators, Rabbit Resistant

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Summer
Position / Role: front of border, continuity creator, matrix / mingler
Plant Behavior: Clumping, Naturalizes
Collections: Great Plant Pick

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: low