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Ornithogalum thyrsoides

Also Known As

  • Wonder Flower

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 12"-24"
  • W: 8"-12"

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

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Ornithogalum thyrsoides plant details

Ornithogalum thyrsoides is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer, dry when dormant. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ornithogalum thyrsoides

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: asparagaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 8 IN - 12 IN - wide, 12 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, fragrant, summer dormant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ornithogalum thyrsoides

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Ornithogalum thyrsoides is an ephemeral bulb with spikes of fragrant, outward-facing, star-shaped flowers blooming in late spring. The stems are 15-18 inches tall and cut flowers will last 10-14 days. Ornithogalum means bird's milk. Although the root words are from Greek, bird's milk was a phrase frequently used by the Romans to indicate something wonderful. Native to South Africa but widely adaptable.

Gardening facts about Ornithogalum thyrsoides plant

How to Grow Ornithogalum thyrsoides

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry when dormant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • grassy

See other plant types of Ornithogalum for your garden

aka Ornithogalum caudatum, Ornithogalum longibracteatum, False Sea Onion, Pregnant Onion

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-12

Size

Height: 12"-48"

Width: 4"-24"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
Photo of Albuca bracteata foliage by Kara Nursery
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aka Ornithogalum graminifolium, Cliff Marble, Rush-leaved Star of Bethlehem

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9b-12

Size

Height: 6"-10"

Width: 3"-6"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Ornithogalum juncifolium form by Kara Nursery
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aka Albuca circinata, Ornithogalum namaquensis

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9b-12

Size

Height: 6"-12"

Width: 12"-15"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry when dormant
Photo of Albuca namaquensis foliage by Kara Nursery
View Plant

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aka Eleven O'clock Lady, Grass Lily, Sleepydick, Star of Bethlehem

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 12"

Width: 12"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • drought tolerant
Photo of Ornithogalum umbellatum flower, form by Meneerke bloem
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aka Ornithogalum dubium [Orange], Orange Chincherinchee, Orange Star, Snake Plant, Star of Bethlehem, Sun Star

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 8"-10"

Width: 12"

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
  • dry in winter
  • dry when dormant
Photo of Ornithogalum dubium flower by JLPC
View Plant

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+13 more Ornithogalum
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