Plant during the recommended period shown in the variety’s specifications. If you cannot plant straight away, store them somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated.
-30%
Ornithogalum umbellatum
star of Bethlehem
If you have a spot in the garden that you don't know what to do with, either in full sun or part shade, then the Star of Bethlehem, or Ornithogalum umbellatum, is just what you need. The smallest packet of bulbs will be sufficient to start you off, but the largest packet of bulbs will give you a gorgeous carpet of low-growing, grass-like leaves. They are greyish green, and generally fold back, flat to the soil. In mid- to late spring there are numerous white, starry flowers.
The backs of the petals are striped with pale grey-green. The flowers are arranged in loose heads, each bloom being held on a stalk, away from the stem; the stalks lowest down tend to be the longest, so the head is in a broad-based pyramid shape, wider than it is tall. Typically, between six and nine flowers are carried in each head.
Ornithogalum umbellatum looks wonderful when planted under deciduous trees and shrubs, or in large drifts on a sunny bank. Incidentally, the flowers have very precise habits, opening at 11 o'clock in the morning, and closing at 3 o'clock in the afternoon—time them! When open, they are loved by bees and other pollinators.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Check whether your varieties prefer sun or shade, then choose a sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Most spring bulbs also grow well in containers.
Remove weeds and loosen compacted soil. Improve heavy ground with organic matter and horticultural grit. For containers, use peat-free multipurpose compost and ensure good drainage.
Plant at the depth recommended for each variety, as their requirements differ. Position shoots or pointed ends upwards. If the correct direction is unclear, plant them on their sides.
Follow the recommended spacing for each variety. Planting in clusters or informal drifts creates a natural display, but avoid placing them directly against one another.
Water after planting if the soil is dry. Keep containers lightly moist but never waterlogged. After flowering, allow foliage to yellow naturally before removing it.
- Botanical name
- Ornithogalum umbellatum
- Flower colour
- White
- Bulb size
- 6/+
- Established height
- 10-20cm
- Established spread
- 10-20cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant spacing
- 100 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Loam-based compost
Multipurpose compost
Sandy - Suitable for
-
Borders
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Gravel gardens
Large containers
Low maintenance gardens
Pots
Rockery - Sunlight
- Full sun
- Toxicity
-
Skin/eyes irritant
Harmful if eaten - Years to establish
- 1st year
Perfect for pots
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
-20%
Paeonia 'Lemon Chiffon'
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Allium azureum
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Narcissus 'Double Mixed'
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