Star of bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is a beautiful flowering bulb that produces cheerful white blooms in spring With its star-shaped flowers and elegant arching foliage, this plant adds whimsical charm to any garden. Though star of bethlehem thrives with minimal care, some key growing tips will help you get the most out of these ornamental bulbs
Overview of Star of Bethlehem
Star of bethlehem belongs to the asparagus family and is native to the Mediterranean region. This hardy perennial emerges in early spring with strap-like green leaves. In late spring, flower scapes rise above the foliage, each bearing clusters of 5-20 starry white blooms. The flowers open during the day then close at night.
One of the appeals of star of bethlehem is its hardiness and adaptability. It thrives in zones 4-9 and does well in full sun to partial shade. Star of bethlehem naturalizes readily by bulb offsets and seed, which can lead to its tendency to spread aggressively. For this reason many gardeners contain it by planting in buried pots or designated garden beds.
When and Where to Plant Star of Bethlehem Bulbs
Star of bethlehem bulbs are planted in fall, around the same time as other popular bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Choose a site with full sun to light shade and well-draining soil. Amend heavy clay soils with compost to improve drainage.
Space the bulbs 4-6 inches apart and plant them 3-5 inches deep. In zones 4-5, apply a thick layer of mulch over the bulbs after the ground freezes to insulate them from extreme cold. Those in warmer zones can skip the mulching.
For optimal flowering, enrich the soil with bulb fertilizer or compost before planting. Bone meal and bulb booster fertilizers that are high in phosphorus and potassium are ideal.
Caring for Star of Bethlehem Bulbs
Star of bethlehem is one of the easier bulbs to grow. Here are a few tips for keeping your plants healthy:
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Water regularly when growth is active in spring and summer. Let the soil dry between waterings.
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Apply an all-purpose fertilizer or bulb booster each spring as growth emerges.
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Remove spent flower stems after blooming finishes to direct the plant’s energy to the bulb.
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Let the foliage die back naturally after flowering. Avoid cutting it until it browns completely.
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Lift and divide bulbs every 3-4 years in fall to control crowding. Replant the largest bulbs and discard the smallest.
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In zones 4-5, insulate bulbs with mulch after the ground freezes to protect from winter damage.
With basic care, star of bethlehem will multiply quickly. Dividing and replanting the bulb offsets every few years prevents overcrowding.
How to Encourage Star of Bethlehem to Bloom
Given sun and room to grow, star of bethlehem blooms freely in late spring and early summer. Here are some tips for maximizing the floral display:
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Plant bulbs in fall at the recommended depth and spacing. Give newly planted bulbs 1-2 years to establish before expecting flowers.
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Choose a site with at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Areas with morning sun produce the best blooms.
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Plant in rich, well-draining soil. Improve nutrient-deficient soils with organic matter.
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Water bulbs regularly until flowering finishes. Consistent moisture encourages the best blooming.
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Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes leafy growth over flowers. Use a phosphorus-rich bulb fertilizer.
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Remove spent blooms to direct energy back to the bulb. Allow foliage to die back naturally.
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Divide bulbs when they become overcrowded, usually every 3-4 years. Replant the largest bulbs and discard the smallest.
Troubleshooting Problems With Star of Bethlehem
When provided with its preferred growing conditions, star of bethlehem encounters few problems. Here are some potential issues and solutions:
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Poor flowering – This can result from insufficient sunlight, overcrowding, or immature bulbs. Give bulbs time to establish before expecting flowers. Relocate to a sunnier spot and divide bulbs as needed.
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Foliage yellows early – Early dieback can indicate overwatering or bulb rot. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Divide and replant bulbs in better-draining soil.
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No growth – Failure to emerge in spring is most often due to winter damage. Insulate bulbs with mulch in cold zones to prevent freeze damage.
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Spreading excessively – Aggressive spread indicates ideal growing conditions. Contain plants by burying pots, installing rhizome barriers, or digging out unwanted bulbs.
With attentive care and proper site selection, problems with star of bethlehem are rare. But the bulb’s vigorous nature does require monitoring it carefully.
Designing With Star of Bethlehem Flower Bulbs
Though star of bethlehem spreads readily when happy, there are creative ways to use its charms in the garden:
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Underplant shrubs and roses – Allowed to naturalize beneath other plants, star of bethlehem makes a lovely living ground cover.
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Plant in buried pots – Containing the bulbs in buried containers prevents unwanted spreading while still allowing you to enjoy the blooms.
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Site in wildflower meadows – The cheerful white flowers look right at home naturalized in fields and informal areas where its spreading won’t be a concern.
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Add to rock gardens – Tuck bulbs among rock garden plants like sedum and thrift where the starry blooms can shine.
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Mix with other bulbs – Combine star of bethlehem with yellow narcissus, purple alliums, and blue hyacinths for a vibrant spring bulb display.
With smart placement and attentive monitoring, it’s possible to find a suitable spot for star of bethlehem in most gardens. Just be sure to limit its ability to spread too far and wide.
The starry spring blooms of star of bethlehem offer a whimsical floral display. Though this vigorous bulb requires more management than some, the glowing floral stars are worth the extra effort. Give the bulbs room to spread under shrubs and roses or mix them with companion plants that can hold their own against the spreading nature. With smart site selection and attentive care, star of bethlehem bulbs will flourish and charm your garden for years to come.
Pruning
After star of Bethlehem flowers finish blooming, you will be left with a mass of tangled foliage that isnt particularly attractive. However, resist the urge to remove that foliage. As long as it stays green, it will be feeding the bulbs through photosynthesis.
Ultimately the leaves will turn brown and the plants will go dormant in the summertime, leaving gaps in your garden bed, at which time the foliage can be removed. Many gardeners opt to plug those gaps with annual plants, while others grow perennials next to their star of Bethlehem plants that will fill in the space as summer progresses.
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Overwintering
Within its hardiness range (zones 4 to 9), star of Bethlehem is a sturdy plant that rarely succumbs to winter cold. However, gardeners in the northern part of zone 4 may want to protect plants in exposed locations with a layer of dry mulch over the winter. Avoid letting the bulbs soak in cold wet ground, as this can encourage bulb rot. The bulbs can also be dug up and stored in a protected space, such as a basement, in extremely cold areas.
ORANGE STAR PLANT CARE 101 (Star of Bethlehem Flower)
FAQ
Do Star of Bethlehem bulbs multiply?
Star of Bethlehem should be planted in a full sun to part shade position in the garden that has good well draining soil. The plant will grow and multiply vigorously.
Where is the best place to plant the Star of Bethlehem?
Grow ornithogalum in well-drained, loamy to sandy soil in a sunny or lightly shaded position. Some varieties are not hardy so need to be taken indoors for winter; these may be best grown in pots.
When to plant Star of Bethlehem bulbs?
This plant is easy to grow and is even invasive in some areas. Choose a location with a fertile loam that drains sharply, preferably in full sun. Plant the bulbs of Star of Bethlehem in fall.
Is the Star of Bethlehem bulb invasive?
Also called star-of-Bethlehem (with hyphens), grass lily, and many other names across its global range. This plant is weedy and potentially invasive and should not be planted in the Midwest.