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

To ensure optimal growth, the Bath Asparagus prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

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