Geyer’s onion
Allium geyeri
Geyer’s onion (Allium geyeri) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 12 in tall and 6–12 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Fire-wise zone 1-2 perennial; ignitability rating 10.0/10.
Colorado nativeOn the CSFS firewise listlow to medium water12 in tall and 6–12 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistantToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: Scott Zona, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY)
- Photo 2: Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM, Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 12 in tall and 6–12 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~8–12 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early summer
- Bloom color
- pink
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Geyer’s onion good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Geyer’s onion is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Geyer’s onion?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- How big does Geyer’s onion get?
- It matures to about 12 in tall and 6–12 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Geyer’s onion?
- Space Geyer’s onion about 8 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 12 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Geyer’s onion hardy on the Front Range?
- Geyer’s onion is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Geyer’s onion need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Geyer’s onion safe for dogs?
- No. Geyer’s onion is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Geyer’s onion deer-resistant?
- Geyer’s onion is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Geyer’s onion a good firewise plant near the house?
- Geyer’s onion is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Geyer’s onion bloom?
- Geyer’s onion blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
