Overview
Ornithogalum 'Namib Gold' is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Ornithogalum, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ornithogalum 'Namib Gold' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, city and courtyard gardens, coastal and wildflower meadow.
About
Ornithogalum 'Namib Gold' is a cultivar within the genus Ornithogalum (family Asparagaceae) noted for its compact, well-branched habit and deciduous leaves. It flowers in the UK from April to June, producing the season's display in late spring. The plant favours full sun or partial shade and performs in a wide range of soil types provided they are well drained.
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 'Namib Gold' sits in the Asparagaceae and presents as a multi-stemmed, compact plant with deciduous foliage. It reliably flowers between April and June in UK gardens, making it a useful late-spring accent. Position it in full sun or where it will receive some afternoon shade; south- or west-facing spots are most suitable. Soil tolerance is broad — chalk, clay, loam or sand are all acceptable — but the key requirement is good drainage and neutral to acid or alkaline pH. It tolerates both exposed and sheltered sites, and its UK hardiness rating is H6 (very hardy), so it withstands typical winter conditions across most of Britain. Use Ornithogalum 'Namib Gold' in flower borders and beds, cottage or informal layouts, wildlife and coastal gardens, city courtyards and even wildflower meadow mixes. Its compact habit fits well between later-rising perennials and spring bulbs. After flowering, the deciduous foliage dies back, creating space for summer plants that follow in the border.
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
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Ornithogalum 'Namib Gold' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Flower borders and beds, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Wildflower meadow
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ornithogalum 'Namib Gold'
- Propagation
- By seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring; by removing offsets when dormant
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ornithogalum 'Namib Gold'?
Ornithogalum 'Namib Gold' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Ornithogalum 'Namib Gold' need?
Ornithogalum 'Namib Gold' 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 'Namib Gold' hardy in the UK?
Ornithogalum 'Namib Gold' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Ornithogalum 'Namib Gold'?
By seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring; by removing offsets when dormant.
