Species prairie onion
light-purple flowers and yellow-purple buds with green petioles and stems

prairie onion

Allium stellatum

Also Known As - Prairie Onion,Glade Onion,Glade Onion
The Prairie Onion (Allium stellatum) is an amazing wildflower due to its unique aesthetic and versatility. Reaching up to 18 inches in height, this purple-pink flowering plant has an onion-like bulb and deep green foliage. Blooming season begins in May and can last through September, providing bright pops of color to dry and moist meadows. Prairie Onions are incredibly hardy and easy to grow, surviving in a range of temperatures and soils. They are a great choice for rock and xeriscape gardens since they require very little water or maintenance. The Prairie Onion is a surefire way to bring a delightful burst of color to any open space.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Bulbils,Offsets

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Reddish-pink Flowers

Sun:

full sun

Soil:

Sand, Loam

Fruits:

brown,black Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

The prairie onion (Allium stellatum) is a drought tolerant plant and therefore generally does not require a lot of water to grow and thrive. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch. Deep water once every 3 to 4 weeks during the growing season, stopping when the plant's foliage turns yellow and begins to die back. You can also provide it with light, frequent drizzles of water during extremely hot weather. Avoid overhead watering or watering too often as this can cause fungal diseases and root rot.

sunlight

Prairie onion (Allium stellatum) prefers full sun, which means it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Despite its preference of full sun, prairie onion tolerates partial shade, which can supplemented with up to 4 hours of sun each day. It is best to avoid deep shade as this will reduce flower and bulb production.

pruning

Prairie onion (Allium stellatum) should be pruned in late winter to early spring. Cut the flower stalks down to the base of the plant, as the flowers fade, but do not cut back the foliage. If the foliage is overcrowded, prune back about a 1/3 of the clump. This will stimulate fresh new growth. Pruning will also keep the clump from becoming too large, or taking over other nearby plants.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Allium stellatum typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Allium stellatum typically starts flowering in May.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Allium stellatum typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map