perennial

Oneleaf Onion

Allium unifolium

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Oneleaf Onion (Allium unifolium) at Lurvey Garden Center

Oneleaf Onion flowers

Oneleaf Onion flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Plant Height:  12 inches

Flower Height:  24 inches

Spread:  12 inches

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  4

Other Names:  Flowering Onion

Description:

Lovely small lavender-pink flowers emerge to form a loose ball above a green mound; attracts butterflies; plant close together for a massed effect;

Ornamental Features

Oneleaf Onion has masses of beautiful balls of lightly-scented lavender flowers with pink overtones at the ends of the stems from late spring to early summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its fragrant grassy leaves remain green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Oneleaf Onion is an open herbaceous perennial with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its wonderfully bold, coarse texture can be very effective in a balanced garden composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Oneleaf Onion is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Oneleaf Onion will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity extending to 24 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 12 inches. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen! As this plant tends to go dormant in summer, it is best interplanted with late-season bloomers to hide the dying foliage.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by multiplication of the underground bulbs.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Garden 
Applications
Flowers  Texture  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features