About
Ornithogalum narbonense, the Narbonne star of Bethlehem, is a bulbous perennial to 90 cm with linear, grey-green leaves to 60 cm long and narrowly conical racemes of starry, white flowers 2 cm across in late spring and early summer. A reliable and elegant bulb for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Ornithogalum are bulbous perennials with linear or strap-shaped basal leaves and racemes of star-shaped or cup-shaped, white, yellow or orange flowers. Suitable for sunny, well-drained borders and naturalising in grass.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toMediterranean to W Iran
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets if eaten (dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationPlant 10cm deep in autumn in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in autumn or spring, in containers in a cold frame or separate offsets when dormant
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free