Nodding Onion
Allium cernuum
Nodding Onion
Currently unavailable
Thin, grass-like foliage stays in small clumps below gently nodding clusters of pink to white flowers in summer. Edible, though not particularly high valvue culinarily. Thrives in well-draining, alkaline soil. Foliage dies back in late summer. Seeds may self sow.
Specifying this plant? Save it to a project in the shop, or match a whole plant schedule with Plant List Matcher.
Plant facts
Good to know
- Does well at higher elevations.
- Part of our native plants collection, a specialty of ours.
- Waterwise — suited to low-water landscapes once established.
- Attracts pollinators.
- Deer resistant.
- Rabbit resistant.
- A good park-strip plant (Flip the Strip collection).
- Low maintenance.
- Tolerates rock mulch.
- Fits small spaces.
- Suitable for Utah Lake secondary water systems.
Quick answers
How big does Nodding Onion get?
About 12-18" tall and 18" wide at maturity.
How much sun does Nodding Onion need?
Full Sun to Part Shade (3 to 6+ hours Sun).
How much water does Nodding Onion need?
Low water use — it is one of our waterwise plants.
Will Nodding Onion grow in Utah and the Intermountain West?
It is rated hardy to USDA zone 3, so it suits sites in zone 3 or warmer, which covers most of the region. The Salt Lake Valley floor is mostly zone 7; benches, mountain valleys and high plains in Utah, Idaho, Montana, Colorado and Wyoming are colder, often zones 3–6, so check the zone for your site.
Is Nodding Onion deer resistant?
Yes, deer usually leave it alone.
Where can I buy Nodding Onion in Utah?
Progressive Plants in Copperton, Utah carries it, but it is not available right now. You can join the waitlist to hear when it's back.
Can landscape contractors buy Nodding Onion wholesale?
Yes. Landscape contractors and architects with a Progressive Plants wholesale account get trade pricing, bulk ordering and shipping across Utah, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming and Nevada on our own trucks or by freight ($1,500 minimum outside our local delivery area). Apply at progressiveplants.com/wholesaleapp.html or call 801-565-7333.
Find similar plants
PerennialsPlants for High ElevationNative PlantsWaterwise PlantsPlants that Attract PollinatorsDeer Resistant PlantsRabbit Resistant PlantsPark Strip Plants (Flip the Strip)Plants for Secondary Water