Ornithogalum Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 23rd Oct 2023

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

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 photograph by Wallygrom.

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.

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.