Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

10 other cultivars

perennial

Ornamental Onion 'In Orbit'

Allium x hybrida 'In Orbit'

The Story

Plant Bio

The genus Allium comprises bulbous or clumping perennials characterized by sulfurous compounds that deter herbivores and distinctive globose flower heads. These plants thrive in sun-drenched, sharply drained soils, producing strap-like foliage that often dies back as the flowering season peaks.

'In Orbit' is a compact, clumping hybrid cultivar distinguished by its glaucous green, ribbon-like foliage and large, three-inch spherical flower heads of soft lavender-purple. It maintains a clean, upright mounded habit throughout the summer without the premature foliage decline common to other ornamental onions.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces clean, glaucous green foliage and uniform, lavender-purple spherical flower heads that maintain their structure throughout summer.

Deters deer and rabbits due to natural sulfur compounds in the tissues, making it highly resistant to herbivore damage.

Attracts and supports native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insect pollinators with nectar-rich blooms.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

18"

Width

18"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Cultivated Origin

Toxicity

Toxic to Pets and Humans

Bloom period

Midsummer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to very light shade with loose, exceptionally well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and install the plant so the crown sits level with the surrounding soil line.
Water moderately after planting to settle the soil, then withhold water until new growth emerges to prevent bulb rot.
Space multiple plants sixteen to eighteen inches apart to allow the clumping root systems room to expand over time.

Pro Tip

Plant in lean, highly permeable soil or restrict the root zone to prevent the foliage from sprawling and to maintain a tight, upright habit. Heavy, wet soils rapidly induce fatal basal plate rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in sharply draining sandy or loamy soil to protect the root system from rot.
Cut back spent flower stems and dead foliage to the ground in late winter.
Divide established clumps every three to four years in early spring to maintain vigor.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay or low-lying areas where water collects.
Do not overwater or use overhead irrigation, which encourages fungal leaf spots.
Do not prune into old, leafless wood at the base of the plant.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border EdgingRock GardensCottage GardensMass PlantingsCoastal Gardens

Companion Plants

Salvia Echinacea Nepeta Sedum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Ornamental Onion 'In Orbit' questions

What zones can Ornamental Onion 'In Orbit' grow in?

Ornamental Onion 'In Orbit' is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Ornamental Onion 'In Orbit' deer resistant?

Yes — Ornamental Onion 'In Orbit' is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Ornamental Onion 'In Orbit' bloom?

Ornamental Onion 'In Orbit' typically blooms in midsummer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Ornamental Onion 'In Orbit' need full sun?

Ornamental Onion 'In Orbit' does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Ornamental Onion 'In Orbit' drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Ornamental Onion 'In Orbit' handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.