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Ornithogalum dubium (Star of Bethlehem)

Star of Bethlehem, Orange Star Flower, Sun Star, Yellow Chinkerinchee, Geeltjienkerientjee

AGM Award
Ornithogalum dubium, Star of Bethlehem, Orange Star Flower, Sun Star, Yellow Chinkerinchee, Geeltjienkerientjee, Orange flowers,
Ornithogalum dubium, Star of Bethlehem, Orange Star Flower, Sun Star, Yellow Chinkerinchee, Geeltjienkerientjee, Orange flowers,

Native to South Africa, Ornithogalum dubium (Star of Bethlehem) is a bulbous perennial boasting brilliant clusters of 5-25 yellow to orange flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), adorned with a contrasting bead-like black eye. Blooming over a long-season, extending from late winter to spring, the showy blossoms rise above the nearly prostrate foliage of narrowly lance-shaped, dark green to lime-green leaves. Mostly grown for cut flower and flowering pot-plant production, Star of Bethlehem also makes an attractive rock garden plant where it will happily naturalize.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grow up to 8-12 in. tall (20-30 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun in well-drained soils
  • Virtually disease and pest free. Deer and critter resistant.
  • To be planted in spring. Propagate by seed as soon as ripe in the autumn or sow in spring. Remove offsets when dormant.
  • All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested and the sap may irritate skin. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.
  • Native to South Africa

Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Splendid Ornithogalum


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.. However, some basic rules need to be followed to enjoy their splendid flowers.

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 11
Climate Zones 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Ornithogalum
Common names Star of Bethlehem, Sun Star
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid)
Winter
Height 8" - 1'
(20cm - 30cm)
Spread 3" - 4"
(8cm - 10cm)
Spacing 4" - 6"
(10cm - 15cm)
Depth 3" - 6"
(8cm - 15cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Ornithogalum balansae (Pyrenees Star of Bethlehem)
Ornithogalum arabicum (Arabian Star Flower)
Ornithogalum thyrsoides (Chincherinchee)
Ornithogalum magnum (Star of Bethlehem)
Ornithogalum nutans (Drooping Star of Bethlehem)
Ornithogalum umbellatum (Star of Bethlehem)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Ornithogalum (Star of Bethlehem)
Native Plant Alternatives to Ornithogalum umbellatum (Star of Bethlehem)
Native Plant Alternatives to Ornithogalum nutans (Drooping Star of Bethlehem)
Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Splendid Ornithogalum
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 11
Climate Zones 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Ornithogalum
Common names Star of Bethlehem, Sun Star
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid)
Winter
Height 8" - 1'
(20cm - 30cm)
Spread 3" - 4"
(8cm - 10cm)
Spacing 4" - 6"
(10cm - 15cm)
Depth 3" - 6"
(8cm - 15cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Ornithogalum (Star of Bethlehem) to pick?
Compare Now

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