Blue Eddy Ornamental Onion, Allium, was named for its attractive, pinwheel-like rosettes of blue-grey to grey-green foliage that resemble “small swirling eddies of water.” It forms a very compact clump of strongly swirling leaves which range a bit in color depending on the season and sunlight.

From late summer into early fall, 1½” rounded clusters of light lilac-pink flowers stand atop leafless stems like lollipops. Be sure to plant them where they won’t be hidden under larger plants.

Alliums are charming plants for the rock or herb garden. When the foliage is bruised, it smells like onions since they are in the onion family. Butterflies and honeybees adore the flowers’ sweet nectar, but deer and rabbits steer clear of this perennial beauty.

Plant in full sun in soil that has been amended with compost or other organic matter.