This winter bulb, Ornithogalum umbellatum, is in the Lily family and blooms in late spring or early summer. It is called the Star of Bethlehem. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is similar to wild garlic. Its foliage has arching leaves but does not have the garlic odor when crushed. Star of Bethlehem flowers are pretty for a few weeks when they’re in bloom, but they haven’t been grown in many places. When this happens, they quickly become a danger to native plant life.
Star of Bethlehem flower bulbs produce a beautiful and fragrant flower that blooms in spring. While the Star of Bethlehem plant is easy to grow, it does have some important care requirements. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss how to properly grow and care for Star of Bethlehem flower bulbs.
Overview of Star of Bethlehem Flowers
The Star of Bethlehem flower (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is a spring-blooming bulb native to Europe and Africa. It produces a cluster of bright white, star-shaped flowers on each stem. The flowers have a light, sweet fragrance and typically bloom for several weeks in May and June.
Star of Bethlehem is a perennial bulb that grows from a cluster of underground bulbs The bulbs multiply quickly, allowing the plant to spread. In fact, Star of Bethlehem can be invasive in some regions since it spreads rapidly Each bulb produces a tuft of long, slender green leaves that emerge in early spring. The leaves are succulent and have a distinct white stripe down the center.
Once established Star of Bethlehem requires little care or maintenance. The bulbs are cold hardy and multiply quickly to produce a dense colony of plants. With the right growing conditions, Star of Bethlehem will continue providing a beautiful floral display year after year.
Choosing a Site with the Right Growing Conditions
When growing Star of Bethlehem bulbs, choose a site that offers full sun to partial shade. The plants tolerate light shade but produce the best flowering in a spot with at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Star of Bethlehem bulbs thrive in loamy, well-draining soil. Heavy clay or constantly soggy soil can lead to bulb rot. Before planting, amend dense soils with organic material like compost to improve drainage.
Pick a site with average fertility. Avoid planting Star of Bethlehem bulbs in a spot with rich soil or heavy fertilization, as this can reduce flowering.
Planting Star of Bethlehem Bulbs
Star of Bethlehem bulbs are planted in the fall, typically 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost. Choose plump, firm bulbs showing no signs of mold, damage, or decay.
Plant the bulbs in a hole or trench 3-6 inches deep and space them 4 inches apart. Place the bulbs with the pointed growing tip facing up. Cover with soil and water thoroughly after planting.
Add a 2-4 inch layer of mulch over the planted area to insulate the bulbs from extreme cold and prevent early sprouting. Remove the mulch in early spring once the threat of hard frost has passed.
Caring for Star of Bethlehem Plants
Watering
Young Star of Bethlehem plants need regular watering to establish an extensive root system. Provide 1-2 inches of water per week during the first year after planting.
Once established, Star of Bethlehem has some drought tolerance but still thrives with moderate moisture. During the active growing season, water plants if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. Reduce watering once the foliage starts yellowing in summer.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost in early spring to provide nutrients. Use fertilizer sparingly, as excess nitrogen can inhibit flowering. These bulbs perform well in average soil without heavy feeding.
Dividing Bulbs
The bulbs multiply quickly, forming dense clumps. Dividing the clumps every 2-3 years prevents overcrowding and encourages flowering.
In late summer when foliage dies back, dig up clumps and gently break bulbs apart. Replant the healthiest bulbs 3-6 inches deep and 4 inches apart. Discard any bulbs that are small, damaged, or diseased.
Caring for Star of Bethlehem After Flowering
After the flowers fade, leave the foliage in place until it yellows or browns. The dying foliage provides nutrients that strengthen the bulbs for next year’s bloom.
Once the foliage is completely dead, it can be removed. At this point, the bulbs are dormant for the summer. Site cleanup and transplanting is best done during summer dormancy.
After bloom time, scatter annual flower seeds or plant perennials alongside the dying Star of Bethlehem foliage. The new plantings will fill in as the bulb foliage recedes, keeping the bed looking attractive.
Common Problems Facing Star of Bethlehem Plants
Aggressive Spread
The biggest issue facing most gardeners is keeping Star of Bethlehem contained. Each bulb produces numerous daughter bulbs, allowing the plant to spread vigorously.
Plant Star of Bethlehem bulbs in a confined area surrounded by pavement, lawn, or other barrier to contain spread. Avoid planting bulbs near natural areas where they could escape and colonize.
Be prepared to dig out unwanted bulbs. Removing all bulbs and bulbils is key to controlling spread. Discard the bulbs rather than composting to prevent re-emergence.
Flopping Flower Stems
Star of Bethlehem flower stems sometimes flop over and look unkempt. Staking the plants prevents flopping. Drive 1-2 foot bamboo stakes around clumps in early spring as growth begins. Use soft plant ties or twine to loosely secure stems to stakes as needed.
Rodent or Slug Damage
Rodents may dig up and eat planted bulbs. Discourage pests by placing hardware cloth or wire mesh over the bulbs at planting time. Slugs and snails can chew foliage and flowers. Use slug bait around plants if these pests are problematic.
Viral Infections
Viruses sometimes infect Star of Bethlehem, causing streaking, mottling, or distorted growth. Destroy and discard any infected bulbs to prevent disease spread. There are no treatments for viral infections in bulbs.
Star of Bethlehem Toxicity
All parts of the Star of Bethlehem plant are toxic. The bulbs contain toxic cardiac glycosides that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart function, seizures, and death if ingested. Keep children and pets away from Star of Bethlehem plants. Other common names for this toxic plant include nap-at-noon and grass lily.
How to Propagate Star of Bethlehem Bulbs
These bulbs multiply quickly on their own, but you can also propagate them through division or offsets.
Division
In late summer, dig up mature clumps. Break apart bulbs, replanting only the largest in the desired location. Smaller bulbs may take 1-2 years to reach flowering size.
Offsets
Carefully separate the tiny bulblets or offsets that form around each mature bulb. Replant offsets at the same depth as mature bulbs. Protect new plantings with mesh until established.
Tips for Growing Beautiful Star of Bethlehem Plants
Here are a few tips to help your Star of Bethlehem thrive:
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Plant bulbs in fall about 3-6 inches deep and 4 inches apart. Choose a sunny, well-draining spot.
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Water regularly the first year. Established plants are somewhat drought tolerant.
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Avoid over-fertilizing which can inhibit flowering. Use compost or organic fertilizer sparingly.
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Remove spent flower stems but leave foliage intact until it dies back naturally.
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Divide crowded clumps every 2-3 years to encourage flowering.
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Remove unwanted plants quickly to control spread. Discard pulled bulbs.
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Stake stems if needed to prevent flopping of top-heavy flowers.
With the proper growing conditions and care, Star of Bethlehem bulbs will naturalize to create a beautiful spring flower display in gardens year after year. Just be cautious of its aggressive spreading habit and toxicity before planting this flower.
Star of Bethlehem Facts
This plant can quickly out-perform and take over when planted in beds with other ornamental bulbs. Landscapers tell horror stories about trying to get rid of Star of Bethlehem flower bulbs in lawns. We feel bad about this because the Star of Bethlehem looks nice at the start when grown in the garden. Small, star-shaped flowers rise on stems above draping foliage. Star of Bethlehem facts, on the other hand, say that this plant should only be grown in containers or places where it can be kept inside. Many agree that it is best not to plant it at all. Some say Star of Bethlehem flowers are good companion plants for early blooming hellebores and dianthus. Others are still sure that the plant is a poisonous weed that should never be grown as an ornamental. Star of Bethlehem flowers are actually considered poisonous in Alabama and are on the list of invasive exotic plants in 10 other states.
Growing Star of Bethlehem
If you decide to plant Star of Bethlehem flower bulbs in your landscape, do it in fall. With mulch, the plant can survive in USDA Zone 3, and it can grow without mulch in Zones 4 through 8. Plant Star of Bethlehem flower bulbs in a full to mostly sunny area of the landscape. This plant can take 25 percent shade, but grows best in full sun location. Star of Bethlehem flower bulbs should be planted about 2 inches (5 cm. ) apart and at a depth of 5 inches (13 cm. ) to the base of the bulb. Plant bulbs in a buried pot or an area with a fence or garden path around the outside to keep them from spreading too far. Deadhead flowers before seeds develop. Star of Bethlehem plant care is not necessary, except to prevent the abundant spread. For Star of Bethlehem plant care, if the plant is producing too many flowers, you must remove the whole bulb to stop its growth.
ORANGE STAR PLANT CARE 101 (Star of Bethlehem Flower)
FAQ
Do Star of Bethlehem bulbs multiply?
Where is the best place to plant the Star of Bethlehem?
Is the Star of Bethlehem bulb invasive?
Can the Star of Bethlehem be planted outside?
What is a star of Bethlehem plant?
The Star-of-Bethlehem plant (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its delicate white flowers and attractive foliage.
Do Star of Bethlehem flowers open or close?
Star of Bethlehem is a flowering, perennial bulb that grows in clumps and shoots up flower stems bearing small, star-shaped blooms. The flowers open in the late morning and close once the sun goes down or during cloudy weather. Star of Bethlehem bulbs grow best in temperate conditions, preferring full-to-partial sunlight and well-draining soil.
Do Star of Bethlehem flower bulbs need mulch?
If you decide to plant Star of Bethlehem flower bulbs in your landscape, do it in fall. The plant is hardy in USDA Zone 3 with mulch and grows in Zones 4 to 8 without mulch. Plant Star of Bethlehem flower bulbs in a full to mostly sunny area of the landscape. This plant can take 25 percent shade, but grows best in full sun location.
Can you plant star of Bethlehem bulbs in the fall?
Plant Star of Bethlehem bulbs in the fall and this hardy, easy-to-grow perennial will put on a really eye-appealing spring display. Star of Bethlehem plants look great just about anywhere you want to place them. Try planting them in mixed flower gardens or rock gardens. They give the garden bright, early-season blooms.