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 |