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
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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 |
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 |