Ornithogalum nutans (Dropping Star of Bethlehem)
Ornithogalum nutans is an attractive bulbous perennial boasting one-sided racemes of up to 15 fragrant, nodding, bell-shaped, white flowers in mid to late spring. Each blossom consists of 6 tepals adorned with white edges and a green stripe on the outside.
Ornithogalum nutans is an attractive bulbous perennial boasting one-sided racemes of up to 15 fragrant, nodding, bell-shaped, white flowers in mid to late spring. Each blossom consists of 6 tepals adorned with white edges and a green stripe on the outside. Very pretty, the flowers open up into a star shape and last well when picked. The narrow, strap-shaped bright green leaves feature a silver central vein. A striking cut flower and wonderful naturalizer.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- Growing up to 12-16 inches (30-40 cm). Naturalizes well where happy and may spread rapidly.
- Thrives in moderately fertile, moist and well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
- Great for beds and borders, wildflower meadows, underplanting of roses and shrubs, rock gardens or cottage gardens.
- Virtually disease and pest free. Deer and critter resistant.
- To be planted in fall. Propagate by seed, sown in autumn or spring, in containers in a cold frame or separate offsets when dormant
- All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested, and the sap may irritate skin. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.
- Native to Europe (Ukraine, Bulgaria and Greece) and Asia (Turkey). Once established, Ornithogalum nutans spreads across the forest floor and displaces many U.S. species of native spring ephemeral plants.
- Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
- Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 6 – 10 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 5 – 9 |
| Climate Zones | 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 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, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Mid,Late) |
| Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spread | 3" – 4" (7cm – 10cm) |
| Spacing | 4″ – 6″ (10cm – 15cm) |
| Depth | 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |