nodding onion
Allium cernuum
nodding onion (Allium cernuum) 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 part. Fire-wise zone 1-2 perennial; ignitability rating 10.0/10.
Colorado nativelow to medium water12 in tall and 6–12 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistantToxic to dogs
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Allium cernuum
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 12 in tall and 6–12 in wide
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- full sun to part
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- pink, purple
- Bloom time
- early summer
- Pollinator value
- high
- Good for
- slope
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is nodding onion good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. nodding onion is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a perennial suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does nodding onion get?
- It matures to about 12 in tall and 6–12 in wide.
- How much water does nodding onion need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is nodding onion safe for dogs?
- No — nodding onion is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
