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Ornithogalum thyrsoides (Chincherinchee)

Chincherinchee, Wonder Flower, Star of Bethlehem

AGM Award
Ornithogalum thyrsoides, Chincherinchee, Wonder Flower, White Flowers, Summer Flower Bulb, Star of Bethlehem
Ornithogalum thyrsoides, Chincherinchee, Wonder Flower, White Flowers, Summer Flower Bulb, Star of Bethlehem
Ornithogalum thyrsoides, Chincherinchee, Wonder Flower, White Flowers, Summer Flower Bulb, Star of Bethlehem

Ornithogalum thyrsoides (Chincherinchee) is a bulbous perennial boasting dense, conical spikes of up to 30 cup-shaped, white flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with centers often tinged green or cream. Blooming from late spring to mid-summer, they rise above the basal foliage of semi-erect, strap-shaped, bright green leaves, which usually starts to die back when the plant is in bloom. A striking cut flower with a long vase life (up to 14 days). Perfect for borders and containers.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grow up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 4-6 in. wide (10-15 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soils. Water freely during the growing season, and keep dry when dormant.
  • Virtually disease and pest free. Deer and critter resistant.
  • Plant in spring for summer flowering, plant in fall for spring flowering. Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring; for bulb propagation remove offsets when dormant.
  • All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested, and the sap may irritate the 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 - 10
Heat Zones 7 - 10
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Ornithogalum
Common names Chincherinchee, Star of Bethlehem
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 4" - 6"
(10cm - 15cm)
Spacing 4" - 6"
(10cm - 15cm)
Depth 3" - 6"
(8cm - 15cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
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Alternative Plants to Consider

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

Recommended Companion Plants

Gladiolus (Sword-Lily)
Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily)

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 - 10
Heat Zones 7 - 10
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Ornithogalum
Common names Chincherinchee, Star of Bethlehem
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 4" - 6"
(10cm - 15cm)
Spacing 4" - 6"
(10cm - 15cm)
Depth 3" - 6"
(8cm - 15cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Ornithogalum (Star of Bethlehem) to pick?
Compare Now

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