Ornithogalum spp.
star-of-bethlehem
Europe, Mediterranean, western Asia, and southern Africa
Overview
Ornithogalum spp. is a genus of about 200 species of bulbous perennials in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), called star-of-Bethlehem and native mainly to Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa, and western Asia. Plants grow from a tunic-covered bulb, sending up a basal tuft of narrow, grassy to strap-shaped leaves, often with a pale stripe down the center. The flowers are six-petalled stars in white, cream, or pale yellow, frequently marked with green on the petal backs, carried in spikes or flat-topped clusters on leafless stalks 4 to 36 in (10 to 90 cm) tall. Bloom comes in spring and early summer, and the flowers of some species open only in sunshine and close at night and in dull weather. After flowering the leaves die back and the bulb rests through summer dormancy. The genus ranges from low rock-garden species to taller kinds grown for cutting, such as chincherinchee (O. thyrsoides), whose stems last for weeks in water. All parts contain cardiac glycosides that are toxic to people, pets, and livestock if eaten. Some species, including common star-of-Bethlehem (O. umbellatum), spread by bulb offsets into lawns and beds and are treated as weeds.
Native Range
Ornithogalum spp. is native to Europe, the Mediterranean basin, western and central Asia, and especially southern Africa, which holds many species. It grows in grassland, rocky slopes, scrub, and seasonally dry ground.Suggested Uses
Ornithogalum spp. is grown in rock gardens, borders, and grass for spring flowers, in pots for the tender species, and as a long-lasting cut flower. Hardy species are naturalized in lawns and under trees, though some spread widely into surrounding ground.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 3'
Width/Spread3" - 9"
Bloom Information
Ornithogalum spp. blooms in spring and early summer, roughly April to June depending on species and climate. The star-shaped flowers of many species open only in sunshine and close in the evening and in cloudy weather. Cut species such as chincherinchee hold their flowers for several weeks.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white, cream, or pale yellowFoliage Description
green with a pale midribGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Ornithogalum spp. grows in full sun to part shade on well-drained soil at pH 6.0 to 7.5, with bulbs set 2 to 4 in (5 to 10 cm) deep in autumn. The hardy species tolerate USDA zones 4 to 9 and naturalize freely, while tender South African species suit zones 8 to 10 or pot culture lifted before frost. Bulbs rot in wet, heavy soil, so sharp drainage matters most where summers are wet. The leaves are left to die back after bloom so the bulb can store energy for the next year. Many species multiply quickly by offsets and can crowd or spread beyond where they are planted.Pruning
Spent flower stalks are removed after bloom to stop seeding, while the leaves are left in place until they yellow and wither. Crowded clumps are lifted and divided during summer dormancy. Removing bulb offsets at the same time limits unwanted spread.Pruning Schedule
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons