Common Name: ornamental onion
Type: Bulb
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Zone: 4 to 9
Height: 1.00 to 1.25 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 1.25 feet
Bloom Time: May to June
Bloom Description: White fading to pink
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Naturalize
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Fragrant
Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer
Culture
Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun, but appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Tolerates a wide range of soils. Performs well in sandy soils. Add compost to clay soils, as needed, to improve drainage. Bulbs are best planted in fall. Deadhead after blooming to discourage unwanted seeding in the garden. Divide in the spring or early fall.
Noteworthy Characteristics
The genus Allium contains over 700 species of bulbous or rhizomatous plants. All possess oniony smelling flowers and foliage. Some species are grown for culinary purposes and others for ornamental purposes. Plants typically produce showy flower umbels on naked scapes rising above a clump of linear grass-like leaves. Ornamental alliums generally range in height from 3” to 4-6’ tall.
Genus name comes from the classical Latin name for garlic.
'Cameleon' is a hybrid, bulbous, ornamental onion selection that features 2" wide clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that emerge white with pink venation and fade to deep mauve-pink. Plants will reach 12-16" tall and spread by offsets to fill a similar area.
Problems
Bulb rot may occur in overly moist soils. Watch for mildew, rust and leaf spots. Thrips are an occasional problem. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Accent for mixed border fronts, cottage gardens, and rock gardens. Suitable for use in large containers.