Photo of Allium stellatum flower by Sunshine Farm and Gardens

Photo by Sunshine Farm and Gardens

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Allium stellatum

Also Known As

  • Prairie Onion

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 12"-24"
  • W: 4"-8"

planting zones

  • 3a-9b

More Options

Allium stellatum plant details

Allium stellatum is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In summer lavender flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Allium stellatum

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: amaryllidaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 4 IN - 8 IN - wide, 12 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: lavender blooms in summer
Uses: fall color, rock garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Allium stellatum

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Autumn can be a very dull and boring time in the garden. You miss all the colorful plants that have delighted you spring and summer while you're busy deadheading or collecting seeds. The memories of the flowers you've enjoyed are just that, you're wishing there were perennials that would bring you color and joy this time of year and well..... your wish has come true. The "Plant Genie" wishes to acquaint you with Allium stellatum. Commonly known as "Autumn Onion", Allium stellatum is a native, fall blooming perennial that will grow happily anywhere in the US. Their long lasting, 2" - 3" lavender/pink, star like blooms seem to explode like fireworks at the tip of their slender 12" - 18" arching stems. They look vital for several weeks and make wonderful cut flowers. Full sun to light shade is their preference with average to dry soil. Allium stellatum has no insect, pest or disease problems. You needn't worry about Bambi or any other critters bothering them either. Allium stellatum produces new bulbs each growing season and you can even grow them from seed, although since it takes several years to get a flowering size bulb from seed, division is the best method to build a colony quickly.
This uncommon native bulb of the Prairie Onion (Allium stellatum) produces showy globes of lavender flowers in the heat of mid-summer. It will grow in the most inhospitable conditions, including dry sandy soils and rocky cliffs. An ideal rock garden plant, it thrives in dry, sunny and semi-shaded situations. Hardy to Zones 3 - 7.

Gardening facts about Allium stellatum plant

How to Grow Allium stellatum

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Flower Color

    • lavender
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Texture

    • grassy
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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