Overview
Allium cernuum 'White Dwarf' is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Allium, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Allium cernuum 'White Dwarf' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH.
About the genus
Allium is a large genus of monocotyledonous flowering plants with 1112 accepted species, making Allium the largest genus in the family Amaryllidaceae and among the largest plant genera in the world. Many of the species are edible, and some have a long history of cultivation and human consumption such as the onion, garlic, scallions, shallots, leeks, and chives.
Wikipedia contributors, "Allium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Allium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Allium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
Plant details
Allium cernuum 'White Dwarf' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Allium cernuum 'White Dwarf'?
Allium cernuum 'White Dwarf' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Allium cernuum 'White Dwarf' need?
Allium cernuum 'White Dwarf' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Allium cernuum 'White Dwarf' grow?
Allium cernuum 'White Dwarf' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on AlliumsWhen to plant allium bulbs in the UK, how to grow them in borders and pots, and why these ornamental onions earn their place all summer long.
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
More in the Allium genus
- Allium 'Judith'
- Allium 'Summer Beauty'
- Allium albopilosumOnion, Flowering
- Allium bulgaricumOnion
- Allium cepa 'Goldito'
- Allium christophii (albopilosum)Star of Persia
- Allium hookeri 'Zorami'Hooker Chives
- Allium phanerantherumconspicuous-anthered garlic
