Ornithogalum thyrsoides (Chincherinchee)
Ornithogalum thyrsoides (Chincherinchee) is a bulbous perennial boasting dense, conical spikes of up to 30 cup-shaped, white flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with centers often tinged green or cream. Blooming from late spring to mid-summer, they rise above the basal foliage of semi-erect, strap-shaped, bright green leaves, which usually starts to die back when the plant is in bloom. A striking cut flower with a long vase life (up to 14 days). Perfect for borders and containers.
Ornithogalum thyrsoides (Chincherinchee) is a bulbous perennial boasting dense, conical spikes of up to 30 cup-shaped, white flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with centers often tinged green or cream. Blooming from late spring to mid-summer, they rise above the basal foliage of semi-erect, strap-shaped, bright green leaves, which usually starts to die back when the plant is in bloom. A striking cut flower with a long vase life (up to 14 days). Perfect for borders and containers.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- Grow up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 4-6 in. wide (10-15 cm).
- Thrives in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soils. Water freely during the growing season, and keep dry when dormant.
- Virtually disease and pest free. Deer and critter resistant.
- Plant in spring for summer flowering, plant in fall for spring flowering. Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring; for bulb propagation remove offsets when dormant.
- All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested, and the sap may irritate the skin. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.
- Native to South Africa
Requirements
| Hardiness | 7 – 10 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 7 – 10 |
| Climate Zones | 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 (Late)Summer (Early,Mid) |
| Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spread | 4" – 6" (10cm – 15cm) |
| Spacing | 4″ – 6″ (10cm – 15cm) |
| Depth | 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |