Overview
Ornithogalum pyrenaicum is a perennial bulbous plant in the genus Ornithogalum, part of the Asparagaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Ornithogalum pyrenaicum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to W & C Europe to Med.
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 pyrenaicum, commonly called spiked star of Bethlehem, is a perennial bulb that produces a single upright flowering stem each spring. Native to western and central Europe and into the Mediterranean, it reaches about 0.6 m at maturity and flowers from April to June. The habit and timing make it a clear spring-flowering component in temperate sites. Grow it in a sunny spot where the soil remains moist but drains freely; it tolerates sandy, loamy and clay textures. Give plants full sun to maintain a compact flowering spike and avoid permanently waterlogged sites. In UK terms the species is H7, meaning it is fully hardy through typical British winters (USDA zones 5–9 provide a comparable range). In the garden, place bulbs where a vertical spring accent is useful: front to middle borders, naturalistic drifts or gravel areas with reliable sunshine. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering so the bulb can replenish. Expect individual plants to reach roughly 0.6 m and produce their upright spring spike each April to June.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ornithogalum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Ornithogalum pyrenaicum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial bulbous plant
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Native to
- W & C Europe to Med
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ornithogalum pyrenaicum
- Propagation
- By seed, division of bulbs
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ornithogalum pyrenaicum?
Ornithogalum pyrenaicum prefers full sun.
What soil does Ornithogalum pyrenaicum need?
Ornithogalum pyrenaicum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Ornithogalum pyrenaicum grow?
Ornithogalum pyrenaicum reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Ornithogalum pyrenaicum hardy in the UK?
Ornithogalum pyrenaicum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Ornithogalum pyrenaicum?
By seed, division of bulbs.
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 nutansdrooping star of Bethlehem
- Ornithogalum pyramidalestars of Hungary
- Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Snowflake'Star-of-Bethlehem
- Ornithogalum 'Namib Gold'Star-of-Bethlehem