About
Ornithogalum nutans, the drooping star of Bethlehem, is a bulbous perennial with strap-shaped leaves bearing a silvery central vein. Erect stems to 45 cm carry one-sided racemes of up to 15 nodding, bell-shaped, white flowers 3 cm across with a green stripe on the outside of each tepal in spring. A graceful and ornamental bulb for a sunny or lightly shaded, 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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow
Native toBulgaria, Greece, Turkey
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 11945,ornithogalum-oligophyllum,Ornithogalum oligophyllum,,Ornithogalum oligophyllum is a small bulbous perennial producing two channelled
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