Ornithogalum (Star of Bethlehem): Types, Growing and Vase Life

Ornithogalum is a bulb with white, cream or orange star-shaped flowers. Florists love it for its rare staying power: the cut spikes open gradually and can last two to three weeks in a vase. Gardeners know it as star of Bethlehem, an easy spring flower. Here are the main types, how to grow them and why ornithogalum needs careful handling.

Long-lasting bouquets: white roses and chrysanthemums.

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What kind of plant it is

The genus Ornithogalum belongs to the asparagus family and has around two hundred species. They grow in Europe, Asia and Africa, and the showiest cut-flower species come from South Africa. The Greek name means “bird’s milk”, probably because of the snow-white flowers.

Popular types

• Star of Bethlehem (O. umbellatum) is short, with white starry flowers in late spring, and is fully hardy. It can spread, so plant it where that will not be a problem.
• Chincherinchee (O. thyrsoides) has dense white spikes on tall stems and is the one most often used in bouquets.
• Orange star (O. dubium) has bright orange or yellow flowers and suits pots or adds a pop of colour to arrangements.
• Pregnant onion (O. caudatum) is a houseplant with a large bulb sitting on top of the soil.

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Ornithogalum in bouquets

Ornithogalum is one of the longest-lasting cut flowers. Choose stems with only the lowest flowers open: the upper buds will open over time. White spikes look lovely with roses, lisianthus, alstroemeria and greenery, while orange O. dubium brightens up an arrangement.

• Trim the stems at an angle and put them in clean, cool water.
• Change the water every 2–3 days and recut the stems.
• Remove faded lower flowers to keep the bouquet tidy.

General cut-flower care is covered in “How to make a bouquet last longer”.

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How to grow ornithogalum

• Hardy species (O. umbellatum, O. nutans) are planted in autumn, in September or October, 2–3 bulb heights deep, in sun or light shade.
• South African species (O. thyrsoides, O. dubium) are not hardy in cold winters. Plant them in spring after the frosts and lift them in autumn to store somewhere dry, or grow them in pots.
• Use light, free-draining soil: the bulbs rot in standing water.
• After flowering water moderately until the leaves yellow, then cut back on watering.

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Safety

All parts of ornithogalum, especially the bulbs, are poisonous to people and animals because they contain cardiac glycosides. Keep the plants away from children, cats and dogs, wear gloves when handling them and never use them in home remedies.

FAQ

How long does ornithogalum last in a vase?

With fresh water, usually two to three weeks, sometimes longer.

Why is my star of Bethlehem not flowering?

The bulbs may be overcrowded or planted too deep. Lift and divide them every few years.

What goes well with ornithogalum?

Other spring bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips.

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Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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