Allium schubertii (Tumbleweed Onion)

Allium schubertii: The Fireworks Onion

Allium schubertii, commonly called Tumbleweed Onion or Schubert's Onion, is an ornamental onion unlike any other. In late spring, it produces a huge, loose, spherical umbel up to 12-18 inches across, composed of dozens of long, wiry pedicels each topped with a small, star-shaped, rose-pink flower. The effect is a frozen explosion of floral fireworks. After flowering, the entire seed head detaches and tumbles in the wind, dispersing seeds.

Garden Use

Plant bulbs in autumn in full sun and sharply drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and thrives in hot, dry summers. The foliage withers before flowering, so plant among low-growing perennials. The dried seed heads are spectacular in arrangements. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Taxonomy

• Family: Alliaceae
• Genus: Allium
• Species: schubertii