The Graceful yet Potentially Invasive Drooping Star of Bethlehem Flower
The drooping star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum nutans) is an elegant spring-blooming bulb with a concerning habit of spreading aggressively outside its native range This ornamental plant offers charm but comes with significant invasive risks that gardeners should consider carefully before propagating it
Overview of the Drooping Star of Bethlehem
The drooping star of Bethlehem is a bulbous perennial that emerges early in the growing season, often among the first flowers to appear. Slender leafless stems emerge from the bulb, growing 1-2 feet tall and topped with dangling white blooms. Each bulb can produce 10-15 flowers.
The flowers have six tepals arranged in a star shape. Tepals resemble petals but are actually modified leaves. These tepals are bright white with a green stripe along the backside. After the flowers fade, long slender grass-like leaves emerge to remain through summer before dying back in fall.
This plant spreads readily from bulblets and seeds. In optimum conditions, it will form large, dense colonies and blankets the ground. It is closely related to the smaller common star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum), which shares its aggressive spreading habit. Both were introduced to North America and other regions as ornamentals.
Growing Conditions for Drooping Star of Bethlehem
This adaptable bulb thrives in a range of conditions, including:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Moist, well-drained soil
- Hardiness zones 5-9
It flourishes along streams and floodplains, and spreads rampantly when happy. Growing it in containers can help restrain its enthusiastic spreading nature somewhat.
Symbolic Meaning of the Drooping Star of Bethlehem
The drooping star of Bethlehem holds symbolic meaning in Christianity. Its nodding white blooms evoke the biblical Star of Bethlehem, and its six-pointed floral shape represents the Star of David.
Specific symbolic meanings attached to this flower include:
- Purity
- Hope
- Reconciliation
- Honesty
The plant’s ties to religion make it popular in arrangements for christenings, Easter, and other Christian ceremonies.
Invasive Status in North America
While aesthetically pleasing, both the drooping star of Bethlehem and its close cousin have become dangerously invasive outside their native European and Asian range. These two species establish quickly and will displace less aggressive native wildflowers over time.
In North America, the drooping star of Bethlehem has been classified as an invasive plant in over 10 states, from Wisconsin to Virginia. It forms dense colonies that crowd out lovely native spring ephemerals such as trilliums, bloodroot, and violets.
Once introduced to woodlands and other natural areas, the plant is very difficult to control and eradicate. The deep bulbs resist most removal attempts, making prevention and early control efforts essential.
Controlling and Removing Drooping Star of Bethlehem
For gardeners and land managers dealing with invasive drooping star of Bethlehem, some control strategies include:
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Excavating bulbs, roots and all, as soon as infestations are spotted
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Deadheading spent flowers before they form seeds
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Monitoring areas vigilantly for years since bulblets may keep resprouting
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Planting native alternatives like Virginia bluebells that can outcompete it
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Avoiding purchasing or propagating this plant in regions where it has become invasive
Eradicating established colonies requires persistence over multiple seasons. Even small amounts of seeds or leftover bulbs can lead to rapid reinfestation.
Garden Alternatives to Drooping Star of Bethlehem
Responsible gardeners want to enjoy spring flowering bulbs without the environmental risks. Some safe ornamental alternatives to drooping star of Bethlehem include:
- Summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum)
- Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)
- Snowflake windflower (Anemone sylvestris)
- Glory-of-the-snow (Chionodoxa species)
These provide similar beauty and appeal without becoming a problematic pest in natural settings. Always select non-invasive plants, especially for gardens adjacent to parks, forests, and protected wilderness areas.
The Appeal and Problems of the Drooping Star of Bethlehem
With its cheery white bells dancing above slender stems, it’s easy to see why drooping star of Bethlehem has been popular. However, the same traits that make it so desirable in the garden enable it to spread prolifically beyond controlled boundaries.
Responsible gardening means understanding this plant’s invasive habits, and not introducing it to areas where it can wreak ecological havoc. By making careful choices, gardeners can prevent damage to native plant communities.
The drooping star of Bethlehem offers ethereal beauty when properly contained. But its graceful flowers come with high environmental costs if allowed to escape cultivation. Protect local natural biodiversity by keeping this aggressive bulb confined to controlled garden spaces, not loose in native wildflower habitat.
How to fertilize Drooping Star of Bethlehem
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plants nutrients, repot your Drooping Star of Bethlehem after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
Drooping Star of Bethlehem prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Drooping Star of Bethlehem requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive . Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home .
Drooping Star of Bethlehem is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Drooping Star of Bethlehem is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.
Drooping Star of Bethlehem does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Drooping Star of Bethlehem should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
USDA Hardiness Zone Drooping Star of Bethlehem can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 5a-9b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.
Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Drooping Star of Bethlehem, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
Taxonomy Scientific name
Drooping Star of Bethlehem needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5″ pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every 9
Does your plant get direct sunlight? No Yes
Select the pot size
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beautiful star of bethlehem flowers with rich symbolism and a history
FAQ
Is the drooping star-of-Bethlehem poisonous?
All parts of this plant are poisonous to both humans and to animals. Don’t confuse this plant with wild onion. Originally introduced to North America as an ornamental, it easily escapes cultivation, and it can become a lawn weed. Because it has invasive tendencies, it is best not to cultivate it.
Does the star-of-Bethlehem come back every year?
After flowering, the star of Bethlehem retracts completely. Even the leaves of the star of Bethlehem first turn yellow and then die. The plant almost turns to nothing before summer even arrives. The bulbs then only sprout again the following spring.
Does star-of-Bethlehem flower like sun or shade?
They should be planted in a full to mostly sunny area of the landscape. They can also be grown as part of a naturalized woodland area where spread is not as much of a factor. The Star of Bethlehem is very low maintenance, but does like well-drained soil.
Is the star-of-Bethlehem flower invasive?
Star of Bethlehem is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. According to the U.S Forest Service, Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species and 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species.
What is the Drooping Star of Bethlehem?
The Drooping Star of Bethlehem, also known as the Nodding Star of Bethlehem, is Ornithogalum nutans. This plant can reach 2 feet (60 cm) in height and has bell-shaped flowers that are striped green and white, and fragrant. The leaves are strap-like with a central vein of silver.
Are Star of Bethlehem bulbs invasive?
While Ornithogalum plants are generally easy to grow from bulbs, some species can become invasive if not controlled properly. This is because these bulbous perennial plants produce offsets and spread quickly.
How large are the flowers of the Star of Bethlehem?
Native to the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia, Ornithogalum magnum (Star of Bethlehem) is a bulbous perennial boasting huge, upright, pyramid-shaped racemes packed with small, star-shaped, white flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), adorned with a green stripe on the reverse.
What is the scientific name for Star of Bethlehem flower?
The Star of Bethlehem flower is also known as Ornithogalum umbellatum. Some common names for Ornithogalum include Star of Bethlehem flower, Sun Star, Grass Lily, Eleven-o’clock Lady, and Chincherinchee.
How deep should a star of Bethlehem plant be planted?
To grow Star of Bethlehem plants, plant their bulbs at a depth of 7 to 15 cm (3 to 6 inches) in the spring for summer flowering, or in autumn for spring flowering.
Is the Star of Bethlehem plant poisonous?
The Star of Bethlehem plant is toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation. It should be kept out of reach of children and pets, and handled with care. Additionally, in some regions, it can be invasive, so appropriate measures should be taken to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably.