Ornithogalum Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

In this Gardener’s HQ guide, we’ll explore cultivating Ornithogalum plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

• Plant Characteristics: Ornithogalum feature striking star-shaped white flowers. Their luminous blooms add a touch of elegance to gardens, and make a captivating choice for floral enthusiasts.
• Ideal Growing Conditions: They prefer to be located in areas with full sun to partial shade, and thrive in well-draining soil. Keeping soil moist is essential, especially during the growing season.
• General Care: Deadhead spent blooms to promote prolonged flowering. Consider a balanced fertilizer during their active growth stage to enhance vigor.
• Tips for New Gardeners: Star of Bethlehem is relatively easy to grow, making it suitable for novices. Plant bulbs at the correct depth and spacing, and avoid crowding them.

Star of Bethlehem, Snake Flower, Chincherinchee, & Sun Star: Cultivation & Garden Use

Ornithogalum Plants range from 10 cm to 60 cm (4 to 24 inches) in height and are usually grown as half hardy or hardy bulbs in the garden.

Ornithogalum flowers in the spring or summer (species dependent) carrying star shaped bells of white, orange, or pale green flowers. These sit atop leafless stems.

Ornithogalum umbellatum (Star of Bethlehem plant) photograph by thatredhead4.

Some common names for Ornithogalum include Star of Bethlehem flower, Sun Star, Grass Lily, Eleven-o’clock Lady, and Chincherinchee.

It is estimated that there are between 50 and 300 members in this genus, with the exact number being argued by the plant taxonomists.

Most plants are characterized by having star shaped flowers, linear basal leaves, and ovoid flower bulbs.

Ornithogalum make great plants to grow in a rockery, border, or containers and are at their best in the later months of spring at the start of summer.

They are very fragrant and do well in sun or light shade.

Beware that as these bulbous perennial plants produce offsets they are able to spread very quickly, with some species becoming invasive if not controlled properly.

How to Grow Ornithogalum Star of Bethlehem

It is easiest to grow the Star of Bethlehem plant, Sun Star, and other Ornithogalumplants from bulbs.

These should be planted at a depth from 7 to 15 cm (3 to 6 inches) deep in the spring (for summer flowering), or in Autumn (for spring flowering).

The bulbs should be planted with a spacing of about 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) apart into a rich soil.

Ornithogalum species are able to grow in both sunny and shady areas of the garden. It is important that they have good drainage.

If growing the Ornithogalum plant from seeds, then it is best to first sow in flats in the spring – lightly cover the seeds.

The flat should then be covered with a plastic bag. Next, place in the fridge for about three weeks.

The flat should next be sunk into the ground in a shady part of the garden and allowed to germinate. Plants can take anything from one to six months to germinate.

Once young seedlings appear, transplant them to their final location.

It should take about four years until Ornithogalum plants grown from seed will first bloom, but the pleasure from growing from seeds is well worth the wait.

Caring for Ornithogalum plants

It is fairly easy to care for Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum Star of Bethlehem), Chinkerinchee (Ornithogalum thyrsoides), and similar species.

They should be fertilized in April by mixing manure or decomposed compost into the soil. They will also require light fertilizing (balanced, slow release) until the end of the summer.

Once established Ornithogalum may encroach into other areas, so weed as appropriate.

Commonly Grown Ornithogalum Species Photographs and Plant Identification

Ornithogalum umbellatum

Ornithogalum umbellatum (Garden Star-of-Bethlehem / Grass Lily / Nap-at-noon), photograph by Andreas Rockstein; CC.

Common names include the Garden star-of-Bethlehem, Splendid Ornithogalum, Nap-at-noon, and Grass lily.

It grows well in US zones 4 to 9, UK Hardiness H6. Leaves are strap-like. Plants bloom at the start of summer. Flowers are star shaped, white on the inside and green on the out.

Ornithogalum dubium

Star of Bethlehem, Orange star flower, Snake flower

Ornithogalum dubium (Orange Star/Sun star) picture by Zed66.

The Ornithogalum dubium plant carries attractive brilliant orange, red, or yellow tepals with a flower center of brown or green. Plants reach about 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm) in height, and leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and yellow-green.

Ornithogalum dubium does well outdoors in zones 7 to 11 in areas that have excellent drainage.

It can make a good container plant in cooler areas if you bring it indoors for the winter.

It is frost tender and classed as Hardiness H2 for the UK and Europe, where it can be grown outdoors in the summer, but should be brought inside well before temperatures drop to freezing.

If growing in containers, then do not water through the winter, and repot in the spring before putting outdoors once temperatures have warmed up. Supply plenty of water during the growing season.

Ornithogalum nutans

Also known as the Nodding Star of Bethlehem or the Drooping Star of Bethlehem.

Ornithogalum nutans plants can reach 2 feet (60 cm) in height. The flowers are bell-shaped stars, striped green and white, and fragrant. Leaves are strapped with a central vein of silver.

Growing regions USA 6 to 10, UK H5 (Hardy in the UK to -15°C (5°F). Usually grown beneath shrubs and rose bushes, in rock gardens, or in a bed or border.

This species is considered invasive in many areas, so check your local regulations before growing it. Full details on Growing Nodding Star of Bethlehem can be found here.

Ornithogalum thyrsoides

Commonly referred to as Chincherinchee or the Wonder Flower

Ornithogalum thyrsoides (Chinkerinchee) by Abelard.

Perennial bulb reaching 45 cm (18 inches) in height with a spread of 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches).

Blooms in summer if planted in spring, or in spring if planted in the autumn. Makes a good container or border plant.

Ornithogalum thyrsoides has conical spikes, each of which has about 30 cup-shaped flowers. These are white, but the center has a hint of green.

Leaves are bright green and lance shaped like grass. Makes a good cut flower.

NB. When people think of Ornithogalum bethlehem they are usually looking for O. umbellatum or O. arabicum species: as O. bethlehem is not currently listed as a species.

• Seed Success: Start Strong with this Ultimate Seed Starter Kit Elevate your gardening game today by securing your Reusable Seed Starter Tray Kit. Get this must-have for any gardening enthusiast on Amazon and give your seedlings the head start they deserve. Embark on your journey to a bountiful harvest with confidence.
• Garden Mastery: Unleash Your Potential with the Essential Tool Set Boost your gardening with the CHRYZTAL Gardening Tool Set. Get this essential kit on Amazon for effortless gardening. A good set of tools is key to a thriving garden; make every cut count. Cultivate with ease and watch your garden flourish.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you buy through links on my site, it supports Gardener’s HQ, a small independent gardening site. Your support enables me to continue providing top-notch gardening guides and tips. Thank you for helping this site grow!

Growing and Care Guide

• Common Names: Star-of-Bethlehem, Chincherinchee, Snake Flower, Prussian Asparagus, Orange Star Flower.
• Life Cycle: Hardy bulb. Half-hardy bulb.
• Height: 4 to 24 inches (10—60 cm).
• Native: There are three distinct classes of Ornithogalum based on the location from where they derive: tender species from (1) Southern Africa and (2) Tropical Africa; and hardy species from (3) the Mediterranean and Caucasus regions.
• Growing Region: Zones 5 to 10.
• Flowers: Species dependent: Plants derived from regions (1) and (3) bloom in spring, whilst those from region (3) bloom in late spring and early summer.
• Flower Details: White. Star-shaped. Atop leafless flower stems.
• Foliage: Basal. Linear.
• Planting: Usually grown from Ornithogalum bulbs as seed grown plants will not bear flowers for at least four years.
  Bulbs: Ieal planting depth is 3 to 6 inches (7.5—15 cm); bury deepest in cooler regions. Autumn for region (1) and (2) tender bulbs, in the late spring for hardy group (3) plants. Space at 4 to 6 inches (10—15 cm).
  Seeds: Cover seed. Germination time: one to six months.
  Method 1: Seeds should first be sown into flats in the autumn. Sink the flat into the ground in an area that offers shade, preferably close to a wall that faces north. Provide a glass/plastic covering. Keep an eye on the flats to ensure that the soil remains moist. Bring the flats indoor at the beginning of spring and keep at 60°F (16°C).
  Method 2: In the spring, mix seeds in a moist growing medium, then put in flats, wrap in a large plastic bag, then stratify by refrigeration for three weeks. Next bury the flat as described above. Once seedlings emerge transplant them to their final location.
• Requirements and care: Full sunlight through to full shade. Good drainage. Rich soil. In the early spring supply a top dressing of manure. Provide frequent feeds with weak fertilizer. Divide frequently to maintain vigor. Deadhead before seed-set to prevent spreading. Propagate: by taking off-cuts cuttings in the autumn. Can self-seed successfully.
• Miscellaneous:Ornithogalum umbellatum is invasive in some areas. The hardy species tend to be smaller and have larger flowers, making them great container plants.
• Further Reading and References:How to Care for a Ornithogalum dubium; Ornithogalum umbellatum by Missouri Botanical Garden; and Orange Star Perennial, a welcome surprise.
• Family:: Asparagaceae, the Asparagus and Hyacinth Family of plants.
• Closely Related Family Members:How to Grow Hyacinth; Plume Asparagus; Grow Asparagus; Yucca Plant; and Bluebells.

Common Questions

How many members does the Ornithogalum genus contain?

The Ornithogalum genus includes around 120 species.

Do Ornithogalum members make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Ornithogalum species make delightful additions to gardens. Their appealing star-like flowers and often long blooming periods make them a favorite among gardeners.

Which Ornithogalum species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Commonly grown species include Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) and Sun Star (Ornithogalum dubium).

Are Ornithogalum plants fragrant?

Some Ornithogalum species, such as Ornithogalum arabicum, are known for their sweet scent, especially in the evening or night.

What is the perfect location to grow Ornithogalum?

Ornithogalum prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. These plants are often grown in rock gardens, borders, or as potted plants.

Is Ornithogalum invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) can be invasive in some parts of the USA, particularly in the Midwest and Eastern regions. It’s always a good idea to check with local regulations.

How do I remove Ornithogalum plants from my garden?

To remove Ornithogalum, dig up the entire plant, including the bulb. This can be challenging as the bulbs can multiply and spread if not completely removed.

Summary

Ornithogalum is a genus of bulbous perennials from the Asparagaceae family. They are widely appreciated for their star-shaped, often white flowers, earning them the common name, star-of-Bethlehem.

Plant Ornithogalum in a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil. The bulbs are usually planted in autumn. Ideal for borders, rock gardens, or as cut flowers, these plants provide a lovely display of spring to summer blooms.

I hope that you found this guide on how to grow grow Ornithogalum plants in your garden. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Rosemary, Pardancanda, and Carum plants.

• Kickstart your garden adventure with ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Vegetable Gardening’ Course on Udemy. Covering everything from soil prep to harvest, this course empowers you to learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere. Unlock the secrets to cultivating a lush, productive garden. Start growing today — a bountiful, homegrown harvest awaits!

I may earn a commission if you enroll in this course through my link. Thank you for supporting Gardener’s HQ.

Elevate Your Gardening Game

Weekly Growing & Care Guides for Your Inbox!

How to Grow and Care for Star of Bethlehem

David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience.

Julie Thompson-Adolf is a Master Gardener and author with over 30 years of experience in year-round organic gardening; seed starting, growing heirlooms, and sustainable farming.

Star of Bethlehem is a flowering, perennial bulb that grows in clumps and shoots up flower stems bearing small, star-shaped blooms. The flowers open in the late morning and close once the sun goes down or during cloudy weather. Star of Bethlehem bulbs grow best in temperate conditions, preferring full-to-partial sunlight and well-draining soil. In fact, these bulbs grow so readily that they can be invasive.

This plant is toxic to both people and pets.

Star of Bethlehem Care

In proper conditions, star of Bethlehem bulbs grow quickly. Here are the main care requirements for star of Bethlehem:

• Choose a spot that gets at least six hours a day of sunlight; these bulbs can grow with less sun but will not flower as spectacularly.
• Plant in soil that is well-draining, as these bulbs will rot if left in water.
• When the plant is growing, water if the soil becomes particularly dry; do not water during dormancy.
• Amend the soil with compost or slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of each spring.

Warning

Star of Bethlehem readily escapes gardens and has naturalized in many regions of North America. Its bulbs multiply rapidly, and the flowers also readily self-seed. In many states, this foreign plant earns a severe “Do Not Plant” warning against invasiveness. Check with local experts before inviting this plant into your garden.

Light

Although it can grow in partial shade, Star of Bethlehem prefers a spot with full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. Its flowering will be better in full sun.

Soil

Star of Bethlehem likes loamy soil. Sharp soil drainage is key for healthy growth. In waterlogged soil, the bulbs can rot.

Water

Young star of Bethlehem plants need regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Mature plants have some tolerance for dry soil, but they still prefer a moderate amount of moisture. While the plant is actively growing in the spring and summer, water when the soil feels dry a couple inches down. When the plant is dormant, its moisture needs are diminished, and it typically doesn’t need any supplemental watering. Stop watering when the foliage begins to turn yellow after the flowers are spent.

Temperature and Humidity

Star of Bethlehem is quite hardy to the temperature extremes of its growing zones (4 to 9). Humidity also typically isn’t an issue, as long as its soil moisture needs are met.

Fertilizer

Star of Bethlehem flowers best when grown in rich soil. Mix some compost into the soil each spring to promote healthy growth. Additional fertilizing is not necessary, and may even hinder flowering.

Types of Ornithogalum

Star of Bethlehem does not have any named cultivars, but the Ornithogalum genus contains 200 other species similar to Star of Bethlehem flower. They include:

• O. arabicum: This plant bears white flowers and grows to around 19 inches tall. It’s hardy in zones 9 to 10.
• O. dubium: This species features orange flowers and reaches only around 10 inches tall. It grows in zones 7 to 10.
• O. nutans: This species grows to around 16 inches high and has white flowers with a lot of green in them. It grows in zones 6 to 10.
• O. thyrsoides: This species also has white flowers and grows to around 16 inches tall. It’s hardy in zones 7 to 10.

Pruning

After star of Bethlehem flowers finish blooming, you will be left with a mass of tangled foliage that isn’t particularly attractive. However, resist the urge to remove that foliage. As long as it stays green, it will be feeding the bulbs through photosynthesis.

Ultimately the leaves will turn brown and the plants will go dormant in the summertime, leaving gaps in your garden bed, at which time the foliage can be removed. Many gardeners opt to plug those gaps with annual plants, while others grow perennials next to their star of Bethlehem plants that will fill in the space as summer progresses.

Propagating Star of Bethlehem

The bulbs will multiply prolifically over time, producing what are referred to as offsets or bulbils. Here’s how to propagate the plant:

1. In late summer as the foliage is dying back, use a shovel or trowel to dig up the bulbs.
2. Carefully separate the offset bulbils clinging to the parent bulb.
3. Immediately replant the bulbils and parent bulbs about 3-6 inches deep and 4 inches apart in moist, loamy soil. The smallest bulbils may require a full two years before they are mature enough to bloom.

Overwintering

Within its hardiness range (zones 4 to 9), star of Bethlehem is a sturdy plant that rarely succumbs to winter cold. However, gardeners in the northern part of zone 4 may want to protect plants in exposed locations with a layer of dry mulch over the winter. Avoid letting the bulbs soak in cold wet ground, as this can encourage bulb rot. The bulbs can also be dug up and stored in a protected space, such as a basement, in extremely cold areas.

How to Get Star of Bethlehem to Bloom

Star of Bethlehem plants flower readily, offering 10 to 20 starry white flowers on each stem. The flowers generally open about noon, then close at sunset or when the skies are cloudy.

Bloom Months

Star of Bethlehem normally produces an impressive flush of white flowers for several weeks in May and June.

What Do Star of Bethlehem Flowers Look and Smell Like?

The flowers of star of Bethlehem plants are small, white, and star-shaped, standing out among the dark foliage. They offer a lightly sweet fragrance.

How to Encourage More Blooms

Poor flowering can result if the plant is not getting enough sunlight, if it is overfed with nitrogen-rich fertilizer, or if the bulbs are not yet mature enough.

Propagating offsets may require two years before they flower, and plants started from seeds can take even longer. Patience may be all that is required.

Caring for Star of Bethlehem After It Blooms

After blooming, leave the foliage of this plant alone, watering occasionally only if the soil gets quite dry, until the foliage turns brown, indicating dormancy. At this time, it’s safe to prune the bulbs or plant annuals in their space.

Deadheading Star of Bethlehem Flowers

While deadheading the spent flowers does not prompt additional blooming, it does limit the spread of the plant by eliminating the seeds that readily volunteer wherever they fall in the garden.

Common Problems With Star of Bethlehem

The only significant problem with this plant is its eagerness to spread aggressively. Take care when planting it in a mixed garden bed, as it can take over the space and displace other garden plants. This plant is best used as an underplanting around rose bushes or sturdy shrubs, or in confined meadowy areas where there is no chance of its spread elsewhere.

Eliminating a colony takes some diligence, requiring that you carefully dig up the bulbs as you notice plants emerging in the spring. Because Star of Bethlehem also self-seeds so easily, you’ll also need to keep an eye out for tiny volunteers that can fuel a resurgence of a troublesome colony.

A folktale talks of fragments of the biblical star of Bethlehem falling from the sky and taking root as Ornithogalum plants. Several other common names derive from the plant’s habit of opening at midday and closing in cloudy or dark conditions.

Do so carefully. star of Bethlehem is a vigorous plant that is eager to spread and naturalize outside the confines of the garden. In meadows and woodlands, it will quickly establish colonies. In the confines of the garden, it is best used for underplanting beneath roses and shrubs, where its spread can be supervised.

Try Allium neapolitanum (daffodil garlic), a form of false onion with similar flowers. It is hardy in zones 7 to 9. Other species in the Allium genus are also available for colder regions. Alliums are much easier to control than star of Bethlehem.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Star of Bethlehem. Invasive Plant Atlas.
2. Star of Bethlehem. Missouri Department of Conservation.
3. Star of Bethlehem. Missouri Department of Conservation.

More from The Spruce

• Decor
• Garden
• Home Improvement
• Cleaning
• Celebrations
• What to Buy
• News

• About Us
• Terms Of Service
• Editorial Guidelines
• Advertise
• Careers
• Privacy Policy
• Contact
• EU Privacy

We Care About Your Privacy

We and our 1609 partners store and/or access information on a device, such as unique IDs in cookies to process personal data. You may accept or manage your choices by clicking below, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, or at any time in the privacy policy page. These choices will be signaled to our partners and will not affect browsing data.

We and our partners process data to provide:

Store and/or access information on a device. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising. Create profiles to personalise content. Use profiles to select personalised content. Measure advertising performance. Measure content performance. Understand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sources. Develop and improve services. Use limited data to select content. List of Partners (vendors)

Ornithogalum umbellatum

These beautiful, May-blooming bulbs can be grown in full sunlight, PM only or AM only sunlight, or 25% shade. Tolerates summer drought, but requires moisture during growing season. When planting, bury 5 in. to base of the bulb and space 2-3 in. apart, 20-25 per sq. ft. Great for use in beds, borders, as ground covers, in rock gardens, and in woodland gardens. This plant is considered Hardy III – injured below 5 degrees F (-15C).

• Attributes: Genus: Ornithogalum Species: umbellatum Family: Asparagaceae Life Cycle: Bulb Perennial Country Or Region Of Origin: Asia minor, Europe, and Northern Africa Dimensions: Height: 0 ft. 4 in. – 0 ft. 6 in. Width: 0 ft. 2 in. – 0 ft. 3 in.

• Whole Plant Traits: Plant Type: Bulb Ground Cover Perennial

• Cultural Conditions: Light: Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)

• Flowers: Flower Color: White Flower Bloom Time: Spring Flower Petals: 6 petals/rays Flower Description: Blooms in late spring, around May.

• Leaves: Leaf Color: Green Leaf Type: Simple Leaf Arrangement: Rosulate Hairs Present: No

• Stem: Stem Is Aromatic: No

• Landscape: Landscape Location: Woodland Landscape Theme: Rock Garden Design Feature: Border Resistance To Challenges: Drought

Ornithogalum umbellatum

NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status.