Curly Blue-Gray Foliage and Pink Summer Flowers

Glaucum Allium (Allium 'Glaucum'), the corkscrew or curly chives, is a charming low ornamental onion grown as much for its foliage as its flowers. Slender, blue-gray leaves twist and spiral into a swirling low mound, then soft pink flower clusters appear in summer to feed bees and butterflies. Its small size and unique texture make it ideal for rock gardens, edging, and containers. Tough, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant, it's a fun, easy accent for sunny Edina, Maple Grove, and Woodbury gardens.

Landscape Uses

Use Glaucum in rock gardens, troughs, edging, and containers, and at the very front of sunny borders where its swirling foliage can be appreciated up close. It pairs beautifully with sedum, hens-and-chicks, and other small sun lovers.

Best Time to Plant

Plant in spring or early fall, when cooler weather and steady moisture help roots establish.

How to Plant

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill, water in well, and mulch lightly. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot.

Watering

First Year: Water deeply once a week to establish the roots.
After Year One: Water during dry spells. It's very drought tolerant once established.
Drip Irrigation: A drip line provides efficient, low-water moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called corkscrew allium?
Its slender blue-gray leaves twist and spiral, giving a distinctive curly, swirling texture.

Is it good for pollinators?
Yes, the pink summer flowers attract bees and butterflies.

Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, hardy to Zone 4 and reliable across most of the state.

Is it deer resistant?
Yes, the onion scent makes alliums highly deer- and rabbit-resistant.

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Pair Glaucum with sedum, hens-and-chicks, and our other alliums for a sunny, low-care rock or edging garden.