These are species and varieties of onions with that do not grow very tall, and may be suited to use in a rock garden or riased bed, or growing in pots. They have clusters of flowers with pointed petals, which may be white, pink, purple, blue or, in a few cases, yellow.

Allium ursinum is our wild Ramsons, or one of many plants known as wild garlic. Common in woods, where its distinctive smell draws attention, it has broad, fresh green leaves (which are often eaten) and loose heads of starry, white flowers.