Overview
Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Snowflake' is a plant with a bulbous perennial habit in the genus Ornithogalum, part of the Asparagaceae family, with linear or strap-shaped leaves foliage. Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Snowflake' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include border plant, rock garden and container.
About
Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Snowflake' is a bulbous perennial in the Asparagaceae that produces a spring display of white flowers from April to June. It carries linear, strap-shaped leaves and sends up an upright flowering stalk from the bulb. Best sited in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect with well-drained loam at neutral pH. Suited to borders, rock gardens and containers where a concentrated spring bloom is wanted.
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
In the garden
Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Snowflake' sits within the genus Ornithogalum, a group of bulbous perennials historically associated with southern Europe and southern Africa. As a bulbous perennial it emerges in spring from an underground bulb and flowers in the UK between April and June. Give it a sunny, south-facing position that is sheltered from cold winds; exposure and position influence how reliably the bulbs flower each year. The plant prefers loam soils at neutral pH and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so choose a well-drained site or a raised bed. Hardiness is H5, which in practical terms means it is classed as hardy in most UK gardens though sheltered planting reduces risk of frost damage to emerging shoots. In borders it works well sited where early-season flowers can be seen before taller perennials fill out. In rock gardens the compact bulbous habit suits crevices and lean soils provided drainage is good. Containers are also a practical option: use a pot with drainage and position it in a sunny, sheltered spot to replicate a south-facing bed. Expect its flowering stems in spring; after the April to June flowering period the plant's energy returns to the bulb for the following year.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ornithogalum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Snowflake' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bulbous perennial
- Foliage
- Linear or strap-shaped leaves
- Suggested uses
- Border plant, rock garden, container
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Snowflake'
- Propagation
- Offsets, seeds
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-resistant
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Snowflake'?
Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Snowflake' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Snowflake' need?
Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Snowflake' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Snowflake' hardy in the UK?
Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Snowflake' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Snowflake'?
Offsets, seeds.
