Alphabetical Plant Listing

Ornithogalum umbellatum (Star of Bethlehem)

Star of Bethlehem, Grass Lily, Nap-at-Noon, Eleven-o'clock Lady, Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon , Sleepy Dick, Summer snowflake, Ten-o'clock Lady


Ornithogalum umbellatum (Star of Bethlehem) is a bulbous perennial bearing pretty racemes of star-shaped white flowers, green on the outside, in late spring to early summer. The flowers open only if enough sunlight is present. During dull weather, they close to display the green exteriors of their petals. Each stem bears up to 16-20 starry white flowers that are arranged in loose umbels. The foliage of linear leaves, adorned with a white mid-vein, fades as the flowers emerge. Star of Bethlehem is a vigorous naturalizer, often spreading rapidly by offsets. Best planted in areas where this plant will not disturb other plants.

  • Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm). Naturalizes well where happy. 
  • Thrives in moderately fertile, moist and well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Some tolerance for dry soils once established.
  • Great in grass, meadows, woodlands, or underplanting roses and shrubs.
  • Pest and disease free. Deer and rabbit resistant
  • 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 northern Africa, western Asia and Europe. Once established, Ornithogalum umbellatum spreads across the forest floor and displaces many U.S. species of native spring ephemeral plants.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

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.Read More

Not sure which Ornithogalum - Star of Bethlehem to pick?
Compare All Ornithogalum - Star of Bethlehem

Buy Ornithogalum umbellatum (Star of Bethlehem)

Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 9
Heat Zones 1 – 10
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Ornithogalum - Star of Bethlehem
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 4" – 6" (10cm – 15cm)
Depth 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow

Buy Plants

Guides with Ornithogalum - Star of Bethlehem


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.


Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 9
Heat Zones 1 – 10
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Ornithogalum - Star of Bethlehem
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 4" – 6" (10cm – 15cm)
Depth 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow

Guides with Ornithogalum - Star of Bethlehem

Plant Calculator

How many Ornithogalum umbellatum (Star of Bethlehem) do I need for my garden?

%
ft
ft

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Ornithogalum umbellatum (Star of Bethlehem)

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.