Differs from other ornamental onions in having wide, blade-like, grey-blue leaves. Tall strong stems carry in midsummer, large round buds held in pointed papery cases, like candle snuffers. These split off to release large heads of tightly packed silvery-pink flowers. The whole plant forms a dramatic vertical for months, from bud stage to seed head. They dry well, best picked in mature flower before seeds are formed.
Dry bulbs.