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Key characteristics

Family: Amaryllidaceae
Height: 12 to 18 inches
Width: 6 to 12 inches
Flower color: Pale pink to lavender, star-shaped clusters
Foliage color: Green, strap-like leaves
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate; prefers well-drained soil
Maintenance: Low; minimal care needed once established
Growing zone: USDA zones 5 to 9
Wildlife: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Bulbs

Allium unifolium

One-leaf Onion

Allium unifolium, commonly known as one-leaf onion, produces delicate, star-shaped flowers in soft shades of pink to lavender. These blooms form loose clusters that appear in late spring to early summer, creating a charming display in garden beds and borders. The plant's name refers to its unique growth habit, where each bulb typically produces a single strap-like leaf alongside the flower stem.

Native to western North America, particularly California and Oregon, Allium unifolium thrives in a variety of habitats, including grasslands and open woodlands.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate; prefers well-drained soil

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Under Trees
Containers
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Astilbes · Foxgloves · Bergenias · Sedums · Columbines · Lungworts

Design tip

Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Drift them in uneven groups for a natural look, and interplant with perennials that fill the gap after the leaves die back.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)