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Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Splendid Ornithogalum

Star of Bethlehem, Orange Star Flower, Sun Star, Chinkerinchee, Geeltjienkerientjee, Snake Flower, Drooping Star of Bethlehem

Ornithogalum, Star of Bethlehem, Orange Star Flower, Sun Star, Chinkerinchee, Geeltjienkerientjee, Snake Flower, Drooping Star of Bethlehem, ornithogalum nutans, ornithogalum arabicum, ornithogalum thyrsoides

A member of the Hyacinth family, Ornithogalum (Star of Bethlehem) are bulbous perennials grown for their clusters of typically star-shaped, white flowers in spring or summer, depending on the species. They quickly form large clumps of grassy or strap-like leaves. Perfect for the early summer garden, they are beautiful garden plants and deserve a spot in borders, open woodlands, rockeries, or large containers. They also make outstanding cut flowers, lasting 1-3 weeks in a vase.

1. Select The Right Site

  • Best flowering occurs in full sun or light shade.
  • Ornithogalum performs best in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil.

Guide Information

Hardiness 5 - 10
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Genus Ornithogalum
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid)
Winter
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Ornithogalum arabicum (Arabian Star Flower)
Ornithogalum dubium (Star of Bethlehem)
Ornithogalum magnum (Star of Bethlehem)

2. Planting Your Ornithogalum Bulbs

  • Plant in the fall for spring flowering.
  • Dig a hole and plant your Ornithogalum bulbs 3-6 in. deep (7-15 cm) and 4-6 in. apart (10-15 cm).
  • If you live in an environment that might be borderline for plant hardiness, place the bulb deeper below the soil line. Not sure about your growing zone? Check here.
  • Set the Ornithogalum bulb with the pointed ends facing up. Cover the bulb with soil and water as needed. Protect in colder areas with a deep mulch over winter.
Ornithogalum nutans (Drooping Star of Bethlehem)
Ornithogalum thyrsoides (Chincherinchee)
Ornithogalum balansae (Pyrenees Star of Bethlehem)

3. Aftercare

  • Water lightly until top growth emerges, then moderately during the growing season.
  • After the blooms from the flower bulbs have faded, deadhead them by clipping off the spent blooms so that they do not go to seed to prevent spreading.
  • After blooming, keep the leaves so the plant can put its energy back into its bulb for next spring’s blooming. The leaves give an energy charge to the bulb through photosynthesis, and for this, they need to keep their leaves!
  • When the leaves begin to yellow, withhold water. Remove the foliage when it withers and dies back.
  • Dig and divide plantings of all species only when plant vigor and bloom quality decline.

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 5 - 10
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Genus Ornithogalum
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid)
Winter
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Compare All Ornithogalum (Star of Bethlehem)
Compare Now

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