White Flower Farm
Allium schubertii
Best choice for gardeners seeking unique, deer-resistant, and dried floral accents.
Allium schubertii, or Flowering Onion, boasts unique, fist-sized, rose-purple flower heads with a spidery, otherworldly appearance due to its wide oval shape and unevenly lengthed stalks. This heirloom variety, originating in 1843, blooms in late spring, typically May through June. It's suitable for forcing indoors and is deer resistant. For optimal growth, plant in the fall in well-drained, fertile soil, ensuring it receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While the foliage may have a mild onion scent, the blooms are a delightful addition to any garden.
$26.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1536
/ 3100
#1536 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
+10%
Above average
Common Name
Flowering Onion
/ Flowering Onion
Who it's for
- Crafters wanting long-lasting, structural dried floral arrangements
- Gardeners seeking a bold, architectural focal point
- Homeowners dealing with hungry deer and rodent populations
Who should skip it
- Gardeners wanting low-maintenance plants without messy foliage cleanup
- Budget-conscious shoppers planning large-scale landscape installations
- People prioritizing a long-lasting, continuous spring floral display
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
The spidery, otherworldly flower heads create an unmatched architectural garden statement.
Pollinator Appeal
Highly effective at drawing bees and butterflies to your late-spring landscape.
Deer Resistance
Reliably deters hungry garden pests while maintaining its delicate aesthetic.
Drying Potential
The unique structure holds its shape beautifully for long-lasting dried arrangements.
Climate Versatility
Strict hardiness requirements limit successful cultivation to specific, warmer temperate zones.
Forcing Ease
Adapts well to indoor containers for a striking, unconventional seasonal display.
Key Specs
Common Name
Flowering Onion
Hardiness Zones
7-8S/9W
Exposure
Full Sun
Blooms In
May-Jun
Mature Height
1-2 feet
Spacing
12 inches
Ships as
BULB
Deer Resistance
Yes
Features
- Unique, spidery, rose-purple flower heads
- Unusual, otherworldly flower shape
- Heirloom variety dating to 1843
- Suitable for forcing indoors
- Deer resistant in the garden
- Flower heads are good for drying
- Attracts pollinators
- Blooms in late spring
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the dramatic visual impact and architectural quality of the Allium schubertii blooms, frequently calling them spectacular showstoppers. The core driver of satisfaction is the reliable quality of the bulbs received; reviewers note the large size and robust health lead to successful establishment and vigorous first year flowering. Long term gardeners also value the perennial reliability and late season interest from the dried seed heads. While the premium price point sets high expectations, most agree the unparalleled drama and high performance justify the investment. This unique Allium is considered a worthwhile splurge for gardeners seeking superior landscape quality.
Know before you buy
These bulbs should be planted in the fall. This allows them to establish their root systems before the ground freezes and prepares them for their late spring bloom cycle.
Yes, Allium schubertii needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Planting them in a spot with full sun is essential for the health of the plant and the development of its unique, spidery flower heads.
Yes, these alliums are generally avoided by deer. Their foliage has a mild onion scent that acts as a natural deterrent, making them a reliable choice for gardens prone to browsing wildlife.
Absolutely. Their unique, architectural shape makes them excellent as cut flowers, and they are also well-suited for drying, which allows you to enjoy their otherworldly appearance long after the spring season ends.
Yes, Allium schubertii is suitable for forcing indoors. This allows you to enjoy their striking rose-purple blooms in a container setting before they would typically appear in the garden.
They require well-drained, fertile soil to thrive. Ensuring good drainage is particularly important to prevent the bulbs from rotting during the dormant winter months.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$26