Photo of Ornithogalum umbellatum flower, form by Meneerke bloem

Photo by Meneerke bloem

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Ornithogalum umbellatum

Also Known As

  • Eleven O'clock Lady
  • Grass Lily
  • Sleepydick
  • Star of Bethlehem

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 12"
  • W: 12"

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Ornithogalum umbellatum plant details

Ornithogalum umbellatum is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ornithogalum umbellatum

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: asparagaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 0 - 12 IN - wide, 0 - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, cutting garden, summer dormant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ornithogalum umbellatum

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Some folks consider this visitor from Europe and naturalized bulb, a weed, but I've always found it to be well-behaved in my garden. Its 4" to 10" tall, supple grass-like foliage makes a nice clump and the starry white flowers are always welcome in mid to late Spring.
One of most winter hardy members of this clan, Star of Bethlehem flowers in late spring, creating sprays of white stars in casual borders and along naturalized edge areas.

By: Leafari

Sleepydick, Summer Snowflake, Starflower, or the Pyrenees Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum), is a wildflower of Eurasia, North Africa, & the Mideast, today commonly encountered throughout the eastern half of the United States plus the Pacific Northwest. They require a "thermoperiodic cycle" to complete their life cycle do not naturalize where temperatures are very warm year-round, or where winters fall below five degrees Fahrenheight. In temperate zones with summers in the 70s & winters in the upper 20s or low 30s suit them very, very well. They can be grown in colder zones (to USDA Zone 3) if they are heavily mulched for winter protection. The blossoms appear in late April & throughout May. The individual blooms can be shortlived, but more will be opening for several weeks in most springs. Flowers are followed in June & July by three-lobed capsules containing black seeds. 12-15 inches high. Grows best in zones 5-9 Bulbs are top size (4-5 cm around)

Gardening facts about Ornithogalum umbellatum plant

How to Grow Ornithogalum umbellatum

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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