Allium fistulosum 'Evergreen Hardy White', Evergreen Hardy White Bunching Onion
Perennials

Allium fistulosum 'Evergreen Hardy White'

Evergreen Hardy White Bunching Onion

UnknownAsia

At a Glance

Typeperennial
Habitclumping
Foliageevergreen
Height18-24 inches
Width12-18 inches

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 9b
Zone 3a
Zone 3b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Allium fistulosum 'Evergreen Hardy White' is a hardy perennial onion cultivar prized for its exceptional cold tolerance and continuous harvest potential. This robust plant produces thick, hollow, cylindrical leaves that emerge from underground bulbs in dense clumps, reaching 18-24 inches in height. The foliage is blue-green in color with a distinctive white base that extends well up the stem, giving this cultivar its characteristic appearance. Unlike common storage onions, Allium fistulosum 'Evergreen Hardy White' forms minimal bulb development, instead focusing energy on producing tender, flavorful stems and leaves. The plant produces small, spherical white flower heads on tall stalks in late spring to early summer if allowed to bolt. However, most gardeners harvest the stems before flowering to maintain tenderness. This cultivar is particularly valued for its ability to overwinter in cold climates and provide fresh green onion flavor throughout the growing season.

Native Range

Allium fistulosum is native to Asia, particularly regions of China, Mongolia, and Siberia, where it grows in mountainous areas and grasslands with harsh winter conditions.

Suggested Uses

Allium fistulosum 'Evergreen Hardy White' works well in vegetable gardens, herb gardens, and edible landscapes. Excellent for container growing, kitchen gardens, and succession planting for continuous harvest. The attractive foliage makes it suitable for ornamental borders and companion planting with other vegetables and herbs.

How to Identify

Allium fistulosum 'Evergreen Hardy White' can be identified by its thick, hollow, cylindrical leaves that lack the flat blade structure of common onions. The stems are notably white at the base, extending further up than typical bunching onions, and the plants form tight clumps rather than individual bulbs. The foliage has a blue-green cast and remains evergreen in mild climates, while the characteristic onion scent is present when leaves are crushed.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

blue
green
white

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SpringSummer
late spring to early summer

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white

Foliage Description

blue-green with white bases

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

60-120 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Allium fistulosum 'Evergreen Hardy White' requires well-draining soil enriched with compost or aged manure for optimal growth. Water consistently to maintain soil moisture, especially during active growth periods, but avoid waterlogged conditions which can lead to bulb rot. Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season, or side-dress with compost. This cultivar benefits from regular harvesting, which encourages continued production of tender new growth. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the base to prevent pest issues.

Pruning

Allium fistulosum 'Evergreen Hardy White' should be harvested regularly by cutting outer leaves at ground level, leaving the center growth point intact for continued production. Remove flower stalks as they appear to maintain leaf tenderness and prevent the plant from going to seed. In late fall, trim back any damaged or yellowed foliage, but leave healthy green leaves intact as they provide winter protection for the plant.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fall

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Allium fistulosum 'Evergreen Hardy White' is generally safe for human consumption and is commonly used in cooking. However, like other alliums, it can be toxic to dogs and cats if consumed in large quantities, potentially causing digestive upset and anemia.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

8 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

early spring or fall

Days to Maturity

60–120 days

Plant Spacing

4 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes
peppers
carrots
lettuce
brassicas
herbs

Avoid Planting With

beans
peas
asparagus