Scientific Name
Ornithogalum umbellatum
Common Name
Star of Bethlehem
ORNITHOGALUM
umbellatum (White flowers)
A. Flowering Characteristics
Ornithogalum umbellatum flowers in late spring (May) for 3-4 weeks and plants are 4-6 inches tall.
B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: Asia Minor, Europe and North America
2. Common names: Star of Bethlehem
3. Geophyte organ: Tunicated bulb
4. Hardiness type: Hardy III - Injured at temperatures below 5 degrees F (-15C) when planted.
5. Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces readily by seed and bulblets and requires a warm (60 to 70F) - cool (28 to 32F) - warm (55 to 65F) annual thermoperiodic cycle.
6. Primary uses: Beds, borders, ground covers, rock gardens, and woodland gardens.
C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: 4/5, 5/6, 6/up cm, in circumference.
2. Planting density: 2-3 inches apart, 20-25 per sq. ft.
3. Planting depth: 5 inches to base of bulb.
4. Planting time: Fall
5. Perennialization habit: 1990 USDA Climatic Zone 3 with mulch, Zones 4 to 8 without mulch.
6. Light requirements: Full sunlight, to PM only or AM only sunlight, to 25% shade.
7. Moisture: Tolerates summer drought, but requires moisture during growing season.
8. Animal susceptibility: Generally, not susceptible.
D. Companion Plants:
Anemone pulsatilla, Anemone sylvestris, Aquilegia, Chaenomeles japonica, Dicentra, ferns, Forsythia, Helleborus orientalis, Hosta, Jasminum nudiflorum, Myosotis, Primula, Phlox divaricata, Phlox stoloniferan, Rhododendron spp. (deciduous and evergreen), Cotoneaster, Berberis, Acer palmatum, Deutzia gracilis, Weigela.

Holland Technical Service Bulletin Number 37 was prepared for the WWW system by A.A. De Hertogh, L.B. Gallitano, G. Hartley, M.E. Traer, and A.B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University. The information was obtained not only from original research conducted by the authors but also from databases released by other sources. This Bulletin was published by the International Flower Bulb Center (IBC), Hillegom, the Netherlands on behalf of the Dutch Flower Bulb Industry. Because of the various climates in North America and year-to-year variability of the weather, the IBC cannot and does not accept responsibility for divergent results that may arise using information obtained from this document or site. Photographs copyright @1997 by A.B. Russell and A.A. De Hertogh. Computer programming by Miguel Buendia, graphics by Brad Capel.

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