Overview
Ornithogalum is a tufted, bushy, clump forming bulbs in the genus Ornithogalum, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ornithogalum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4, H5, H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, low maintenance and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Ornithogalum, commonly known as star of Bethlehem, is a bulb-forming perennial within the Asparagaceae family. It features narrow, strap-like leaves growing from the base and produces racemes of star-shaped flowers, typically in white, yellow, or orange. This deciduous plant forms tufts or clumps and thrives in well-drained soils such as chalk, clay, loam, or sand. Suitable for full sun or partial shade, it prefers sheltered, south- or west-facing aspects. Hardy in UK conditions (H4 to H6), it is ideal for cottage gardens, gravel gardens, patios, rock gardens, and underplanting roses and shrubs.
About the genus
Ornithogalum is a genus of perennial plants mostly native to southern Europe and southern Africa belonging to the family Asparagaceae. Some species are native to other areas such as the Caucasus. Some species are classified as noxious invasive weeds in some portions of North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ornithogalum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ornithogalum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ornithogalum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4, H5, H6
Plant details
Ornithogalum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Tufted, Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Low Maintenance, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ornithogalum
- Propagation
- Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring; remove offsets when dormant
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ornithogalum?
Ornithogalum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ornithogalum need?
Ornithogalum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Ornithogalum hardy in the UK?
Ornithogalum has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Ornithogalum?
Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring; remove offsets when dormant.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- The Case for Doing LessEcological gardening starts with doing less — mowing less, digging less, watering less. A practical guide to plants, soil, water and dry-garden planting for a wilder, more climate-resilient UK garden.
- The Thrifty GardenGood gardens are made of time, not money. How to build one slowly and cheaply — secondhand kit, divisions, cuttings, seed and bare-root plants.
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
More in the Ornithogalum genus
- Ornithogalum nutansdrooping star of Bethlehem
- Ornithogalum pyramidalestars of Hungary
- Ornithogalum pyrenaicumspiked star of Bethlehem
- Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Snowflake'Star-of-Bethlehem
- Ornithogalum 'Namib Gold'Star-of-Bethlehem