Allium 'In Orbit' is a mid sized ornamental onion with tightly packed spherical flower heads of lavender violet perched on elegant upright stems. Blooming in early summer, it adds strong form to perennial borders and attracts a wide array of insects with its pollen rich florets. Its foliage remains tidy as the flowers rise above ensuring a clean and refined look through peak display.
Height & Spread: 15 - 20 in x 8 - 12 in
Bloom Time: Early to mid summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soil
Watering Needs: Low to moderate
Deer Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant
Native Status
This is a horticultural hybrid selected for its upright form and uniform bloom size, not native to North America but highly garden adaptable.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Visited by Swallowtails and Painted Ladies seeking mid season nectar.
Bees
- Favored by both bumblebees and sweat bees for abundant pollen access.
Moths
- Evening visitors such as Sphinx moths frequent the globes after dusk.
Beneficial Insects
- Supports hoverflies and lacewing adults that aid in biological pest control.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 10 - 12 in apart to allow individual flowers to stand out in border compositions.
Landscape Placement:
- Best for pollinator borders, sunny meadows, mixed perennial beds, and cutting gardens. Works well as a mid tier accent with finer textured companions.
Companion Plants
- Agastache foeniculum (Anise Hyssop) - Adds scent and bee magnetism with purple flower spikes that pair well in sunny spots.
- Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ear) - Provides soft silver foliage that contrasts beautifully with upright flowers.
- Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' - Adds summer height and bold color to echo Allium’s form and timing.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Offers a fine textured yellow foil beneath the rounded lavender blooms.
- Salvia nemorosa 'May Night' - Dark violet spires create height balance and long season interest alongside Allium.