Star of Bethlehem Bulbs – Ornithogalum Umbellatum – White Flowers – Outdoor

Overview

Introduce breathtaking beauty to your garden with Star of Bethlehem bulbs, scientifically known as Ornithogalum Umbellatum. These exquisite bulbs are renowned for their captivating star-shaped white flowers, which emerge in clusters at the tips of stems, reaching up to 1 foot tall. Each flower features an attractive, often 3-cornered, bright white appearance on the upper surface, beautifully contrasted by subtle green lines on the underside. Blooming reliably from April to June, these Ornithogalum Umbellatum care bulbs are a fantastic choice for adding early spring elegance to any landscape. The foliage consists of glasslike, succulent, very dark green leaves with a distinctive white central vein, adding textural interest before the blooms arrive. As temperatures rise, the leaves gracefully yellow and wither, indicating the plant’s natural dormancy phase. These hardy garden bulbs are an excellent investment for gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet high-impact floral displays.

The Star of Bethlehem bulbs are incredibly prolific, producing offsets at an impressive rate, allowing for easy propagation and expansion of your garden’s beauty. They are perfectly suited for various garden applications, including beds, borders, ground covers, rock gardens, and woodland settings. Their resilience and charm make them a popular choice among both novice and experienced gardeners looking to create a vibrant spring oasis. These spring blooming bulbs offer a classic, timeless appeal that enhances any outdoor space with their pristine white blossoms.

Key Benefits

Planting Star of Bethlehem bulbs brings a multitude of advantages to your garden, transforming it into a haven of natural beauty and ease. Their distinctive appearance and robust nature make them a gardener’s favorite.

• Stunning Spring Blooms: Enjoy a profusion of bright, star-shaped white flowers from April to June, providing a refreshing burst of color after winter. These white star flowers are truly eye-catching.
• Versatile Landscaping: Ideal for use in diverse garden settings, including beds, borders, rock gardens, woodland areas, and as effective ground covers.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, these bulbs are remarkably tolerant of summer drought and require minimal care, making them perfect for busy gardeners.
• Hardy & Resilient: Considered hardy, these bulbs can withstand temperatures down to 5 degrees F (-15C), ensuring their longevity in many climates. They are truly hardy garden bulbs.
• Easy Propagation: The bulbs produce offsets at an amazing rate, allowing you to easily expand your display or share with friends and family.
• Attractive Foliage: The dark green, succulent leaves with a white central vein add visual interest even before the flowers emerge.
• Drought Tolerant: After establishment, these plants tolerate dry spells, though they appreciate moisture during their active growing season.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Star of Bethlehem bulbs (Ornithogalum Umbellatum) is straightforward, ensuring a spectacular display of white star flowers each spring. These bulbs thrive in moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Good drainage is crucial to prevent rot, especially during their dormant period. When selecting a site, prioritize locations that receive full sunlight or partial sunlight—afternoon or morning sun is ideal, and they can even tolerate up to 25% shade. Adequate light promotes robust growth and abundant flowering for these spring blooming bulbs.

When planting, bury the bulbs approximately 5 inches deep to the base and space them 2 to 3 inches apart. For a denser display, aim for 20 to 25 bulbs per square foot. While established plants can tolerate summer drought, it’s important to provide consistent moisture during their active growing season in spring. Avoid heavy moisture from late summer rains once the plants go dormant after blooming, as this can lead to bulb rot. Fertilization is generally not heavily required in fertile soils, but a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring can encourage more vigorous blooms. Propagate by digging up the bulbs, carefully removing the offsets, and replanting them to expand your collection of hardy garden bulbs.

Monitoring for common issues such as excessive moisture leading to rot is key. Ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering, particularly when the plant is dormant. With proper care, your Ornithogalum Umbellatum care routine will be minimal, allowing you to enjoy their effortless beauty year after year.

Size & Details

These Star of Bethlehem bulbs are shipped as dormant, ready-to-plant bulbs, ensuring a strong start in your garden. The flowers typically reach a height of up to 1 foot (30 cm) when in bloom, creating a lovely ground-level display. The leaves are glasslike, succulent, and dark green, forming a neat clump before dying back as temperatures rise. Plants go dormant after blooming, usually by late June or early July. They produce offsets at an amazing rate, allowing for natural spread and multiplication over time. Expect blooms from April to June, offering a beautiful seasonal highlight. Each bulb carries the potential for multiple stunning white star flowers.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: The flowers of the Star of Bethlehem bulbs typically reach up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall. The foliage forms a low-growing clump.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: This is primarily an outdoor plant, ideal for garden beds, borders, and rock gardens. It is a hardy garden bulb that thrives outdoors.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: Ornithogalum Umbellatum care requires full sunlight or partial sunlight (morning or afternoon only). It can also tolerate up to 25% shade.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, Star of Bethlehem bulbs are considered low-maintenance once established, tolerating drought and thriving with minimal intervention.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your order will arrive as dormant, healthy bulbs, ready for planting to ensure successful growth.
• Q: How long until it blooms? A: These spring blooming bulbs typically bloom from April to June in the spring following their planting, or in the spring if planted the previous fall.
• Q: When is the best time to plant Star of Bethlehem bulbs? A: The best time to plant Star of Bethlehem bulbs is in the fall, allowing them to establish roots before their spring bloom.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: These bulbs are considered hardy and can typically withstand temperatures down to 5 degrees F (-15C), making them suitable for many USDA hardiness zones.
• Q: What type of soil does it prefer? A: It grows best in moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Good drainage is crucial for optimal Ornithogalum Umbellatum care.
• Q: Can I use these bulbs for ground cover? A: Absolutely! Their spreading habit and attractive blooms make them an excellent choice for ground cover, creating a carpet of white star flowers.