About
Ornithogalum thyrsoides, the wonder flower or chincherinchee, is a bulbous perennial to 60 cm with narrowly strap-shaped leaves and dense racemes of green-centred white flowers 2 cm across in spring and early summer. Excellent for cutting and naturalising in 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, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toS Africa (Cape)
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 in spring for summer flowering; in growth water freely and lift after flowering - keep frost free over winter. Indoors and under glass grow in large containers of peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun, when in growth water freely, keep dry when dormant and repot annually in spring; can also be planted indoors or under glass in autumn for spring flowering
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring; for bulb propagation remove offsets when dormant
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free