Ornithogalum narbonense aka Bath Asparagus

Taxonomy

Ornithogalum narbonense, commonly known as Narbonne star-of-Bethlehem, pyramidal star-of-Bethlehem, or southern star-of-Bethlehem, is a bulbous perennial plant belonging to the genus Ornithogalum in the family Asparagaceae. It reaches an average height of 40-50 centimeters, with a maximum of 70 centimeters. The plant has underground whitish and ovoid bulbs, erect stems, and fleshy lance-shaped leaves measuring 8-15 millimeters wide. In late spring and early summer, it produces pyramidal racemes of starry white flowers, each measuring 2 centimeters across. The flowers have six milky white petals with a pale green central vein, and the buds display green and white stripes. The plant is pollinated by insects, and its flowering period extends from May through June. The Latin name Ornithogalum, derived from the Greek, means "bird's milk," while the species name narbonense refers to the French town of Narbonne.

Common names

Bath Asparagus, Star Of Bethlehem, Pyramidal Star Of Bethlehem

How to care for Bath Asparagus

Difficulty

Bath Asparagus is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Bath Asparagus should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Bath Asparagus loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Bath Asparagus requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Bath Asparagus will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The Bath Asparagus should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Bath Asparagus’s native range is Europe - Mediterranean.


More info:
Wikipedia