Ornithogalum arabicum (Arabian Star Flower)

Ornithogalum arabicum (Arabian Star Flower) is a bulbous perennial boasting luminous racemes of up to 15 sweetly scented, star-shaped, white or creamy-white flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with a contrasting bead-like black eye. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the waxy-looking blossoms rise above the semi-erect basal foliage of blue-green, strap-shaped leaves. Best where summers are warm and dry, it is a good choice for mixed borders and containers. One of the longest-lasting cut flowers.

Ornithogalum arabicum (Arabian Star Flower) is a bulbous perennial boasting luminous racemes of up to 15 sweetly scented, star-shaped, white or creamy-white flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with a contrasting bead-like black eye. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the waxy-looking blossoms rise above the semi-erect basal foliage of blue-green, strap-shaped leaves. Best where summers are warm and dry, it is a good choice for mixed borders and containers. One of the longest-lasting cut flowers.

  • Grow up to 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). Will happily naturalize.
  • Thrives in full sun in fertile, well-drained soils. Keep soils evenly moist during the growing season.
  • Virtually disease and pest free. Deer and critter resistant.
  • To be planted in fall.
  • Contact with the bulb and sap may cause skin irritation. All parts are poisonous if ingested.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.
  • Native to the Mediterranean

Requirements

Hardiness 9
– 11

Heat Zones 9
– 11

Climate Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Ornithogalum – Star of Bethlehem
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early)
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 4″
– 6″
(10cm
– 15cm)
Depth 3"
– 6"
(7cm
– 15cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers