POTM 08 01

Ornithogalum arabicum

Common Name: Star of Bethlehem

Greek translation: Birds' Milk Flower

Classed as a perennial plant (one which comes up every year) and a member of the Hyacinth family, the strap shaped leaves of this little beauty in the spring garden start to push up in late December or early January. Just before the long stemmed clusters of flowers burst open in March or April the leaves die away, leaving a rather untidy mess underneath the plant. However, the attractive flowers are well worth the wait. There are many species of ornithogalum but Ornithogalum arabicum is by far the most attractive in my view. Lots of the others are regarded as weeds and can become very invasive.

Ornithogalum do not like to be moved once planted and may indeed just disappear altogether. So do ensure that you plant them where they are to remain long term. The bulbs are poisonous so take care when planting them and wash your hands well afterwards. They are fully hardy and can withstand some cold.

Like the native asphodels, which the foliage sometimes resembles, ornithogalum need a long dry dormant season which our climate affords and they even do well planted up in pots. Just pop the pots into a shady but dry spot after flowering and leave until the tiny leaf shoots start to appear again towards the end of the year. Bring them out again and let the rain water them naturally. The white star-shaped flowers have little black eyes which are the ovaries, and the perfume which they give off during the spring is indeed heavenly.