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Ornithogalum arabicum

Ornithogalum arabicum
Star of Bethlehem, Arabian Star Flower

4,4/5
11 reviews
1 reviews
3 reviews
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The bulbs look healthy, they have started to sprout, I'm waiting for the results...

karine, 11/03/2024

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

The delicate flowers of this bulb from a warm climate, perfume the spring air. They are a beautiful milky white with a beautiful black pearl in their centre, creating a very elegant composition. Originally from the Near East, it naturally thrives in Mediterranean regions in well-drained or dry soil, in the sun. In other climates, you will need to consider storing the bulbs or growing them in a pot to better protect them from frost. This flower is impeccable in a bouquet and loved by florists.
Flower size
7 cm
Height at maturity
50 cm
Spread at maturity
20 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -4°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time September
Recommended planting time September to October
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Flowering time June to July
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Description

Ornithogalum arabicum is a bulb with a particularly elegant flowering. Its numerous small star-shaped, milky white flowers gradually bloom in late spring, revealing a heart of a beautiful black pearl. The overall effect is very refined and perfumes the surroundings, making it ideal for lasting cut flowers. It is a perennial that needs a warm, sunny exposure and prefers to spend the winter indoors.

 

Originally from the Middle East, the Star of Bethlehem is a plant that is considered thermophilic (grows best in a warm environment) and xerophilous (Thriving in a hot and dry climate). It loves the sun and heat and tolerates drought. Therefore, it thrives in a Mediterranean climate, prefers well-drained soil, even sandy soil, and should be stored dry during the cold season. If temperatures drop below -5°C (23°F) in your region, or if there is heavy rainfall, it is best to dig up the bulbs or grow them in pots to protect them. Otherwise, a layer of mulch will suffice and it will flower in a well-exposed rock garden or a sunny border.

Ornithogalum has an upright habit. Its base consists of long, simple leaf blades that are ribbon-shaped and can reach 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10in) long and 2 cm (1in) wide. In the centre of these leaves, a solid cylindrical stem emerges with a pyramidal corymb at its top. It is composed of numerous small porcelain-coloured flowers that gradually open from bottom to top. They reveal what appears to be a stunning small black berry in the centre, which is actually an ovary. It is surrounded by slightly saffron-coloured stamens. Florists have long been charmed by this beauty, and it is easy to understand why. With exceptionally pure, fragrant flowers that last a long time in a vase, how can one resist? If your climate is particularly warm, it will appear as early as the end of May and reach 50 cm (20in) high.

 

Ornithogalum arabicum is a precious plant that requires a little protection. Growing it in a pot or on a veranda will allow you to enjoy its fragrance and beauty up close. In a sunny location, it will take over from spring bulbs and welcome summer, with irises. Plant it near high-traffic areas to breathe in its scent.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 50 cm
Spread at maturity 20 cm
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time June to July
Inflorescence Corymb
Flower size 7 cm
Fragrance Fragrant
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green

Botanical data

Genus

Ornithogalum

Species

arabicum

Family

Liliaceae

Other common names

Star of Bethlehem, Arabian Star Flower

Origin

Middle East

Product reference512961

Planting and care

Ornithogalum arabicum requires a warm and sunny exposure to grow and flower. Plant it in well-drained, dry, even sandy soil that does not retain moisture. Cover it with 8 cm (3in) of substrate.

In cold regions, bulbs should be lifted in winter and stored in a dry place with a little potting compost. You can also plant them in pots and bring them indoors for the cold season. In this case, do not to water them or water very little.

Planting period

Best planting time September
Recommended planting time September to October
Planting depth 8 cm

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Edge of border, Container, Conservatory
Hardiness Hardy down to -4°C (USDA zone 9b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, well-draining

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil
Overwinter Needs to be stored
4,4/5

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