Nodding Onion (Allium)

(12-18" tall x 4-6" wide) Nodding Onion is a lovely North American native perennial that adds care-free summer color to the garden. Grass-like foliage arrives in early spring, followed by taller scapes (flower stalks). Pink to lilac umbels of loose, nodding flowers bloom from mid-to-late summer. Easily grown in most conditions, they are drought tolerant once established. Wild Nodding Onion will gradually spread over time when happy to create lovely clumps of blossoms. Try it in a rock garden or perennial bed where its compact height and cheerful blossoms harmonize with other summer bloomers such as Echinacea, Milkweed, and ornamental grasses. When brushed, the flowers and foliage emit an onion-like scent, keeping deer away. Some gardeners use Allium throughout their flower beds in hopes of deterring browsers. This hardy native perennial  is an adaptable staple to almost any garden setting.