Allium Mount Everest Ornamental Onion Bulbs

Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit

Plant Allium Mount Everest ornamental onion bulbs in the fall before the first frost, and by late spring, you'll be rewarded with stunning 4-inch spherical flower heads, tightly packed with starry pure white florets. These tall ornamental onions reach a height of 30 inches, adding a bold architectural element to your garden, even after the flower heads go to seed. The nectar- and pollen-rich blooms provide essential sustenance for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Additionally, Mount Everest alliums make excellent cut flowers, perfect for creating impressive bouquets and adding a modern touch to mixed floral arrangements.

Mount Everest, a species of Allium stipitatum, commonly known as ornamental onion, is a bulbous perennial with an upright habit. Though related to garlic, onions, chives, and shallots, this allium stands out with its beautiful blooms, which bring unique shapes, colors, and textures to flower beds, mixed borders, and patio pots. Mount Everest allium is an excellent naturalizer, making it ideal for planting in drifts in a wildlife garden. It complements any garden style, from contemporary to cottage gardens, and is a great option for layering with muscari and anemones in a lasagna bulb planting, whether in the garden or a container.

For best results, plant Mount Everest allium bulbs 12 to 16 inches apart and 7 to 8 inches deep, then water well to settle the bulbs. Choose a sheltered site with plenty of sunshine and medium moist, well-draining soil. Avoid damp areas and amend heavy soils before planting. If flower production decreases over time, dig up the bulbs, divide them, and replant to rejuvenate the display. Ornamental onions are deer and rodent resistant, and Mount Everest is cold hardy to USDA Zone 4, making it a resilient and low-maintenance choice for your garden.

For tips on creating a stunning spring bulb garden, check out our blog post on How to Plant a Spring Bulb Garden. And don't forget to visit our Garden Essentials page for all the tools and products you'll need to get started.