Ornithogalum umbellatum aka Star Of Bethlehem

Taxonomy

Genus Ornithogalum Family Asparagaceae Order Asparagales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Ornithogalum umbellatum, also known as the garden star-of-Bethlehem, grass lily, nap-at-noon, or eleven-o'clock lady, is a perennial bulbous flowering plant in the asparagus family. This relatively short plant produces tufts of basal linear leaves and conspicuous white flowers in a stellate pattern in mid to late spring. The flowers open late in the day, giving it some of its common names, and have a green stripe on the outside when closed. O. umbellatum is native to southern and central Europe, as well as north-western Africa, and is often grown as a garden ornamental. However, it has escaped cultivation in many areas, including North America, and can become an invasive noxious weed. Despite being considered poisonous, parts of the plant are used in some regional cuisines, and essences are sold as patent remedies. O. umbellatum has been depicted in art by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, and folklore suggests it originally grew from fragments of the star of Bethlehem, hence its horticultural name. The Star of Bethlehem is a winter bulb belonging to the Lily family, and blooms in late spring or early summer. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is similar to wild garlic but does not have the garlic odor when crushed. While its foliage has arching leaves, the plant is often considered a noxious weed when it escapes cultivation and can quickly become a danger to native plant life. However, some gardeners suggest that Star of Bethlehem flowers are good companion plants for early blooming hellebores and dianthus. Ornithogalum bulbs can be grown in a variety of light conditions and are great for use in beds, borders, as ground covers, in rock gardens, and woodland gardens.

Common names

Star Of Bethlehem, Garden Star Of Bethlehem

How to care for Star Of Bethlehem

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Star Of Bethlehem due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Star Of Bethlehem should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Star Of Bethlehem 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

Star Of Bethlehem thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Star Of Bethlehem.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Star Of Bethlehem is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Star Of Bethlehem grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Star Of Bethlehem’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to the Mediterranean.

More info:
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More Species in Ornithogalum Genus

Ornithogalum umbellatum Star Of Bethlehem

Ornithogalum thyrsoides Christmas Lily

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Ornithogalum gussonei Ornithogalum Gussonei

Ornithogalum orthophyllum

Ornithogalum pyramidale Star Of Bethlehem

Ornithogalum pyrenaicum Spiked Star Of Bethlehem

Ornithogalum nutans Drooping Star Of Bethlehem

Ornithogalum ponticum Ornithogalum Ponticum