Ornithogalum umbellatum
(Star of Bethlehem)
Family - Asparagaceae
Category - Bulb
Origin - Western and Central Europe
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer
Hardiness - H6
Height - 20cm or more
Width - 10cm
Location - The Stream Area
Description: A bulbous Perennial with short, upright stems. Linear, grey-green leaves each have a white central stripe along the length. The foliage tends to deteriorate prior to flowering. Snowy white Blooms have a bold, green stripe on the outside of each tepal (petal-like structure). The flowers are cup-shaped to star-shaped when fully open and held on very long pedicels. Each Bloom has a central group of flattened, petal-like stamens with yellow Anthers. The flowers are held in umbel-like Racemes on short, upright stems and are produced from late spring into early summer. Attractive to pollinators.
Flower:
Snowy white flowers have a central green stripe on the outside of each tepal, and are held on very long pedicels. The flowers are cup-shaped initially and star-shaped once fully open. Each bloom has a central, cup-like cluster of flattened, petal-like stamens with golden anthers. The flowers are held in dense, umbel-like racemes on short, upright stems and are produced in May and June.
Flower colour: White, green
Flower shape: Cup to star-shaped flowers held in racemes
Flowering time: May, June
Foliage:
Linear, grey-green leaves have a central white stripe running the length of each leaf. The leaves are held at the base of the stems.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Linear
Propagation:
Division (separation of offsets), seed.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil. May spread prolifically in ideal conditions.