Flowering onion plants are ornamental or edible varieties of onions that produce showy flower heads in addition to edible bulbs or green tops. These plants belong to the Allium family, which includes onions, garlic, chives, and leeks. Their flowers range from small and delicate to large, globe-shaped clusters, adding beauty and interest to gardens.
Many flowering onions, such as Allium giganteum, Allium aflatunense, and Allium schoenoprasum (chives), are grown for their striking blooms. The flowers are usually spherical and come in colors like purple, white, or pink. They attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity in the garden.
Flowering onion plants are generally hardy, easy to grow, and low-maintenance. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Most are planted as bulbs in the fall, allowing them to establish roots and bloom in late spring or early summer. They often naturalize over time, producing clusters of flowers in successive years.
Besides ornamental value, some flowering onions are edible. For example, the green tops of chives can be harvested for cooking, and certain Allium flowers are also edible, adding mild onion flavor and decorative appeal to salads or garnishes.
Flowering Onion Plants
Giant Allium (Allium giganteum)
Giant Allium produces towering stems topped with huge, globe-shaped purple flowers. They make a dramatic statement in garden borders and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Their striking height and spherical blooms create an impressive focal point in any garden.
Star of Persia (Allium christophii)
Star of Persia is known for its star-shaped, metallic-purple flowers forming large globes. Each globe is composed of dozens of tiny star-like blooms, adding a dramatic effect. It blooms in late spring and works well as a cut flower for arrangements.
Golden Garlic (Allium moly)
Golden Garlic produces bright yellow, star-shaped flowers in clumps. Its compact growth makes it ideal for borders, rock gardens, or containers. Blooming in late spring, it brings a cheerful splash of color to any garden setting.
Round-Headed Garlic (Allium sphaerocephalon)
Round-Headed Garlic has elongated, cone-shaped purple flowers that start green and mature to reddish-purple. Its unique flower form adds interest to naturalistic gardens or wildflower plantings and attracts pollinators.
Purple Sensation Allium (Allium ‘Purple Sensation’)
Purple Sensation features vibrant, deep purple globes on tall stems. Blooming in late spring to early summer, it adds height and dramatic color contrast to flower beds and mixed borders.
Daffodil Garlic (Allium neapolitanum)
Daffodil Garlic produces clusters of delicate, star-shaped white flowers. It grows low to the ground, making it perfect for naturalizing in lawns, under trees, or along pathways. The blooms appear in late spring.
Blue Allium (Allium caeruleum)
Blue Allium is prized for its pale blue, globe-shaped flowers. Blooming in late spring to early summer, it provides a soft, cool-toned accent in borders and perennial beds. It also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Globemaster Allium (Allium ‘Globemaster’)
Globemaster produces enormous purple flower heads, often 10–12 inches across, on tall, sturdy stems. Blooming in late spring, it makes an impressive centerpiece in gardens or containers and is long-lasting in floral arrangements.