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Ornithogalum thyrsoides

Ornithogalum thyrsoides
Chincherinchee, Wonder Flower

4,0/5
6 reviews
1 reviews
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Its flowers are absolutely stunning, pure white and perfect for bouquets.

Béatrice F., 16/11/2022

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

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Ornithogalum thyrsoides is a South African bulbous plant that stands out for its summer flowering and spring planting. The 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20in) stem produces a large spike of about twenty white star-shaped flowers with a light green heart and a pleasant fragrance. The plant will benefit from sunlight and warmth whether grown in soil or in a pot and has a 6-week flowering period. It can also be used as a cut flower. It is native to South Africa and naturally thrives in Mediterranean regions in well-drained, even dry soil, in the sun. In other climates, you will need to store the bulbs over winter or grow them in a pot to protect them from frost. It has long captivated florists with its beautiful flowers.
Flower size
3 cm
Height at maturity
50 cm
Spread at maturity
10 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -4°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time March to May
Recommended planting time March to May
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Flowering time June to August
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Description

The flowers of the Ornithogalum thyrsoides emerge from June to September, grouped together in compact pyramidal clusters of about twenty white star-shaped flowers with light green centres. These flowers are 1 to 2 cm (0 to 1in) in diameter and diffuse a pleasant fragrance. They are carried by tall stems that can reach 50 to 70 cm (20 to 28in) high when mature.

The green leaves with hairy edges of the Ornithogalum thyrsoides are deciduous. They measure 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) and wither before the flowers open. This plant is native to South Africa, so is tender.

The flowers hold up well in a vase, even without water. Ornithogalum thyrsoides can be grown in flower beds, borders and dry rockeries, as well as in pots, planters, and hanging baskets. It can be grown in the garden and indoors. It is a good companion. You can plant it with perennials or shrubs that thrive in dry soil, such as lavender, cistus, grasses (Stipa...), etc.

Its scientific name comes from the Greek words ornithos, meaning "bird", and gala, meaning "milk", a combination used by the Greeks to refer to something wonderful!

Plant habit

Height at maturity 50 cm
Spread at maturity 10 cm
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time June to August
Inflorescence Spike
Flower size 3 cm
Fragrance Fragrant
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Ornithogalum

Species

thyrsoides

Family

Liliaceae

Other common names

Chincherinchee, Wonder Flower

Origin

South Africa

Product reference512971

Planting and care

Ornithogalum thyrsoides should be planted in a sunny exposure in fairly fertile and well-drained, dry, or even sandy soil. It is a thermophilic plant, meaning it requires heat and sunlight. Plant the bulbs at a depth of 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) and space them 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in) apart. Place them in a greenhouse in autumn for early flowering. In winter, keep the bulbs dry with the help of mulch as they are sensitive to frost and bulb rot in excessive water. It is resistant to diseases and parasites. The Ornithogalum self-seeds spontaneously and it can become invasive in mild climates. To avoid this, cut the flower stalks as soon as they fade. In cold regions, bulbs should be lifted in winter and stored in a dry place with a little potting soil. You can also plant them in pots and bring them indoors for winter. In this case, water them very little, or not at all.

Planting period

Best planting time March to May
Recommended planting time March to May
Planting depth 8 cm

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Container, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -4°C (USDA zone 9b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 10 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, well-draining

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Needs to be stored
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