Genus: Allium

Common Names: garlic, onions (includes chives, ornamental onions)

A large genus of over 850 species that includes garlics, onions, shallots, leeks, chives etc. Harvested and cultivated since the earliest records of human history for medicine and as a food crop. In horticulture, there are many species and hybrids cultivated and marketed as low-maintenance ornamentals with all manners of showy umbels that attract pollinators. 

Distribution: mostly throughout the Northern hemisphere with several exceptions

Allium 'Summer Pink'

Common name(s): ornamental onion

Description: perennial; a no-fuss, clumping onion with 2 inch globes of nectar-rich pink flowers in mid summer. Very popular with bees and butterflies alike.

Height: to 12 in. Spread: to 18 in.

Position: full sun and well-draining soil

Uses: ornamental, to attract pollinators

Drought: adapted to 3 months of summer drought

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Allium schoenoprasum

Common name(s): chives

Description: perennial; a culinary herb with a very mild onion flavor. Edible star-like purple-pink flowers (some uncommon forms have white flowers) from late spring to early fall that can be used to make a chive blossom vinegar. 

Height: to 18 in. Spread: to 18 in.

Position: full sun and well-draining soil

Uses: culinary- chive blossom vinegar, soups, omelettes, salads, potato dishes and much more.

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Drought: adapted to 3 months of summer drought

Distribution: most of the temperate Northern hemisphere

Allium tuberosum

Common name(s): garlic chives, Chinese chives

Description: perennial; edible leaves have a mild garlic flavor and are popular in Asian cuisines but can be used for all of the same applications as "normal" chives. Blooms white flowers in late summer.

Height: to 18 in. Spread: to 18 in.

Position: full sun and well-draining soil

Uses: culinary- chive blossom vinegar, stir-frys, soups, omelettes, salads, potato dishes and much more.

Drought: adapted to 3 months of summer drought

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Distribution: North-Central China, Nepal, West Himalayas