Overview
Ornithogalum nutans is a bulbous perennial in the genus Ornithogalum, part of the Asparagaceae family. It typically grows around 0.2–0.6 metres tall. Ornithogalum nutans grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and neutral and slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock gardens, borders and naturalizing in grass. It is native to Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey.
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 nutans is a bulbous perennial native to Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey that produces nodding flower stems and grows to 0.2–0.6 metres. In the UK it comes into bloom from April to June, offering a spring display at a modest height. Grow it in a sunny or part-shaded spot with well-drained sandy or loamy soil; it favours neutral to slightly alkaline conditions and a moderate soil moisture level. It is rated H5, which means it is hardy across much of the UK when planted in a suitable, free-draining site. Use Ornithogalum nutans in rock gardens, mixed borders or to naturalise through short grass where its low stature is an advantage. Allow space for the clumps to develop at the given height so they sit naturally at the front of borders or weave through gravel and turf. Note that all parts are harmful if eaten and the plant is toxic to pets; wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling bulbs or foliage.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ornithogalum
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy or loamy
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Ornithogalum nutans size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- bulbous perennial
- Height
- 0.2–0.6 metres
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, borders, naturalizing in grass
- Native to
- Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey
- Toxicity
- Harmful 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
Pruning and caring for Ornithogalum nutans
- Cultivation
- Plant bulbs in autumn, 5 cm deep; prefers well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower stems after blooming
- Propagation
- by bulb offsets or seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ornithogalum nutans?
Plant bulbs in autumn, 5 cm deep; prefers well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Ornithogalum nutans?
Ornithogalum nutans prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Ornithogalum nutans need?
Ornithogalum nutans grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers neutral and slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Ornithogalum nutans?
Remove spent flower stems after blooming.
How big does Ornithogalum nutans grow?
Ornithogalum nutans reaches a height of 0.2–0.6 metres.
Is Ornithogalum nutans hardy in the UK?
Ornithogalum nutans 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 nutans?
By bulb offsets or seed.
Is Ornithogalum nutans toxic?
Harmful 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.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- 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.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Ornithogalum genus
- Ornithogalum pyramidalestars of Hungary
- Ornithogalum pyrenaicumspiked star of Bethlehem
- Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Snowflake'Star-of-Bethlehem
- Ornithogalum 'Namib Gold'Star-of-Bethlehem