I grew up on a small, organic family farm. After working on an American ranch for a year, I went back to school to study agricultural science. Soil, organic farming practices, and plant science are what I am most drawn to. At home, when I’m not in the garden, I’m in the kitchen baking and cooking with the fruits and vegetables we’ve grown. Favorite fruit: Even if a bit boring – apples Favorite vegetables: Bell peppers, red beets, zucchini, white cabbage.
The star of Bethlehem is an easy-to-care-for spring flower that does best in light shade, like at the edge of a forest.
The flowers of the star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) are what make it stand out. In the spring, they can turn the garden into a sea of white flowers. The bulbous plant doesn’t need much care, though, and it goes back into the ground after flowering until the next spring. You can find all the information you need about growing and taking care of the star of Bethlehem in this article. It has some pictures and ideas for how to use it.
The Star of Bethlehem flower, also known as the Christmas Star or Ornithogalum, is a beautiful bulb plant that produces fragrant star-shaped white blooms in spring and early summer This symbolic and meaningful flower has a long history and is featured in many holiday songs, stories, and decorations
In this complete guide we’ll explore Star of Bethlehem plant images and cover how to grow and care for these enchanting flowers in your own garden.
An Overview of Star of Bethlehem Flowers
Star of Bethlehem belongs to the plant genus Ornithogalum, which contains around 90-100 species native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. There are several popular species:
- Ornithogalum umbellatum – Common Star of Bethlehem
- Ornithogalum arabicum – Arabian Star of Bethlehem
- Ornithogalum thyrsoides – Chincherinchee
These hardy perennials grow from bulbs and produce grassy leaves and upright stems covered in dense clusters of star-shaped white blooms. The flowers have six tepals with a green stripe on the backside. They open fully during the day then close up slightly at night.
Star of Bethlehem bulbs multiply rapidly, allowing the plants to spread into dense colonies where conditions are right. They tend to bloom for 2-3 weeks in mid to late spring.
These plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer rich, well-draining soil. They are hardy in USDA zones 6-9. Certain species are grown as houseplants in colder climates.
The Symbolism Behind the Star of Bethlehem Flower
The common name “Star of Bethlehem” comes from Biblical lore. The bright star is said to have guided the three wise men to the birthplace of Jesus.
As a result, these flowers have become an indelible part of the Christmas story and holiday decor. They represent the nativity and birth of Christ. Images of the blooms are also used in religious-themed paintings, songs, and stories related to the very first Christmas.
Beyond religious meanings, Star of Bethlehem flowers also symbolize purity, hope, and guidance. Their star shape evokes cosmic energy and divine inspiration.
No wonder these plants remain popular holiday decorations and garden flowers even today! Now let’s look at how to grow them yourself.
Growing Star of Bethlehem Bulbs in Your Garden
Star of Bethlehem offers low maintenance appeal, reliability, and wildlife value – perfect for naturalized areas. Follow these tips for success:
Sun and Soil Requirements
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Plant bulbs in a spot with full sun to light afternoon shade. At least 6 hours of direct sun is ideal.
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Well-draining soil enriched with compost or manure is best. Avoid soggy areas.
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Space bulbs 4-6 inches apart and plant 3 inches deep. Place them in clusters for best effect.
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Bulbs multiply quickly, so you only need to plant a few to start. Space clusters 12-18 inches apart.
Planting and Transplanting
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Plant bulbs in the fall, about 6 weeks before your first expected frost.
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Fall planting gives roots time to develop before winter dormancy.
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If transplanting established clumps, do so when foliage dies back in early summer.
Watering and Fertilizing
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Water thoroughly after planting and provide 1 inch of water weekly during growth.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer or bulb food at planting time. Fertilize established plants in early spring.
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Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers which cause floppy growth unable to support the flowers.
Temperature, Humidity, and Light
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Star of Bethlehem thrives in zones 6-9 and can tolerate dips to -10°F when established.
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Hot and humid summers are fine. These plants love heat.
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Plants appreciate full sun but accept light afternoon shade in hot climates.
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Foliage may fade or brown a bit in intense summer sun but the plants recover in fall.
Pruning and Maintenance
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Prune spent flower stems down to the base after blooming finishes.
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Remove faded foliage in late summer to keep plants looking tidy.
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Divide large clumps every 2-3 years in early summer if they become overcrowded.
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Water occasionally during summer dry spells. Established bulbs are quite drought tolerant.
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Avoid soggy soil which can lead to bulb rot. Add organic material if drainage is poor.
With the right growing conditions, Star of Bethlehem flowers will thrive with minimal care required. The bulbs steadily multiply, providing a reliable spring show year after year.
How to Grow Star of Bethlehem Indoors
The bright blooms of Star of Bethlehem make gorgeous temporary indoor flowers too. Here are some tips:
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Plant bulbs in a pot with drainage holes, in rich potting mix. Place 3-5 bulbs close together per 6-8 inch pot.
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Keep pots cool (below 65°F) for 8-10 weeks after planting to simulate winter dormancy.
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In early spring, move to a sunny indoor spot and water when soil surface is dry. Apply liquid fertilizer monthly.
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Rotating the pots periodically encourages even growth so stems don’t all bend toward the light.
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Once flowering finishes, let pots dry out and leave them dormant in a cool place for a couple months before watering again.
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Bring pots back indoors in fall to force another bloom cycle. Discard bulbs after 2-3 years.
Forced bulbs make great holiday gifts! Just include care instructions so the recipient knows when to water the pot for blooms.
Common Problems With Star of Bethlehem
Star of Bethlehem is quite hardy and pest/disease resistant when provided suitable growing conditions. Issues to watch for include:
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Soggy soil leading to bulb rot and fungal issues – improve drainage
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Animal grazing on leaves and flowers – apply animal repellents
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viral diseases causing streaking/mottling – destroy and dispose infected plants
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bulb mites causing deformation – discard infested bulbs
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nematodes lead to stunted growth – solarize soil to reduce nematode populations
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aphids on new growth – spray neem oil or insecticidal soap to control
Promptly addressing any problems will keep your Star of Bethlehem flowers looking their best.
10 Gorgeous Star of Bethlehem Flower Pictures
Looking for inspiring images of these symbolic spring bloomers? Here are 10 gorgeous Star of Bethlehem flower pictures for your enjoyment:
[Beautiful closeup of Star of Bethlehem blooms]
[Star of Bethlehem bouquet on white background]
[Macro of a single Star of Bethlehem flower with raindrops]
[Star of Bethlehem bulbs sprouting in early spring]
[Row of Star of Bethlehem flowers blooming at night]
[White Star of Bethlehem flowers in soft dusk lighting]
[Pure white Star of Bethlehem blooms in a garden]
[Star of Bethlehem in field under blue sky]
[Star of Bethlehem flowers illuminated by morning sunlight]
[Scatter of Star of Bethlehem blooms against green grass]
Feel free to save any images you like to use for art projects, holiday cards, social media, or just simple enjoyment!
Uses for Star of Bethlehem Flowers
What can you do with these lovely spring flowers besides simply admiring them in your garden? Here are some ideas:
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Cut blooms for holiday centerpieces and flower arrangements
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Plant in containers for a portable holiday plant
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Naturalize under trees, in meadows, and woodland gardens
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Pair with tulips, grape hyacinths, and other spring bulbs
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Allow attractive seed pods to form after blooms fade
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Infuse olive oil with petals and buds for cooking
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Craft floral wreaths, garlands, bouquets, and crowns
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Dry and preserve blooms for pressed flower art
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Feature the flowers in holiday songs, stories, and plays
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Create nature-inspired holiday decorations and ornaments
However you choose to enjoy them, Star of Bethlehem flowers will add symbolic beauty and magic to your spring.
The Enduring Appeal of the Star of Bethlehem Flower
With its poignant symbolic meaning and stunning floral display, it’s easy to see why the Star of Bethlehem remains popular even today. These hardy, prolific bulbs lend effortless elegance and holiday charm to gardens and indoor displays.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning all about Star of Bethlehem flower images and how to grow these mesmerizing plants yourself. May your garden be filled with the hope and blessings of the very first Christmas.
You want to know who’s behind Plantura?
I grew up on a small, organic family farm. After working on an American ranch for a year, I went back to school to study agricultural science. Soil, organic farming practices, and plant science are what I am most drawn to. At home, when I’m not in the garden, I’m in the kitchen baking and cooking with the fruits and vegetables we’ve grown. Favorite fruit: Even if a bit boring – apples Favorite vegetables: Bell peppers, red beets, zucchini, white cabbage.
The star of Bethlehem is an easy-to-care-for spring flower that does best in light shade, like at the edge of a forest.
The flowers of the star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) are what make it stand out. In the spring, they can turn the garden into a sea of white flowers. The bulbous plant doesn’t need much care, though, and it goes back into the ground after flowering until the next spring. You can find all the information you need about growing and taking care of the star of Bethlehem in this article. It has some pictures and ideas for how to use it.
The right care
After planting, the star of Bethlehem requires little care.
Star of bethlehem flower – growing and care
FAQ
Is the Star of Bethlehem plant invasive?
Is the Star of Bethlehem flower poisonous to touch?
Where is the best place to plant the Star of Bethlehem?
What is the Star of Bethlehem plant used for?
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.
How many star of Bethlehem flower stock photos are there?
Browse 700 star of bethlehem flower stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images.
How tall does star of Bethlehem grow?
Star of Bethlehem is a vigorous naturalizer, often spreading rapidly by offsets. Best planted in areas where this plant will not disturb other plants. Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm). Naturalizes well where happy. Thrives in moderately fertile, moist, and well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
What does a star of Bethlehem look like?
Ornithogalum umbellatum (Star of Bethlehem) is a bulbous perennial bearing pretty racemes of star-shaped white flowers, green on the outside, in late spring to early summer. The flowers open only if enough sunlight is present. During dull weather, they close to display the green exteriors of their petals.
