Front-of-the-Border "Wow!" Power

When it comes to easy-care plants that bring a lot of punch to the border, 'Ivory Queen' Turkestan onion should be near the top of your shopping list.

- Sherri Ribbey

'Ivory Queen' Turkestan onion Allium karataviense

Besides its eye-catching globe-shaped flowers, this bulb is long-blooming and drought-tolerant. Plus, deer and rabbits leave it alone.

Despite the common name and the oniony scent when you rub the bulb or leaves, Turkestan onion is all about looks and doesn't taste good.

EASY CARE Plant this hardy bulb in fall 3 to 5 inches deep in full sun and well-drained soil. In spring, 3- to 4-inchwide leaves will emerge, followed by one bloom stem per bulb. Star-shaped individual flowers form the globe, and it lasts for 2 to 3 weeks. No need to deadhead-the seedheads dry in place, providing interest into late summer before they finally shatter.