Ornithogalum dubium

RHS Plant Profile
star of Bethlehem

Other common names

geeltjienkerientjee, orange star flower, yellow chinkerinchee

Award of Garden Merit
Bulbs Conservatory Greenhouse

A bulbous perennial to 30cm tall, with narrowly lance-shaped leaves and dense racemes of showy orange or yellow flowers 2.5cm across, sometimes with a dark centre, in winter and spring

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets if eaten (dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Ornithogalum are bulbous perennials with linear or strap-shaped basal leaves and racemes, sometimes contracted, of star-shaped or cup-shaped, white, yellow or orange flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
South Africa (Cape)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant in spring, water well when in growth. Lift and overwinter frost free place. Alternatively grow in containers in peat-free, loam-based compost, keep dry when dormant and re-pot in spring

Propagation

Propagate by seed as soon as ripe in the autumn or sow in spring. Remove offsets when dormant. Further bulb propagation advice

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

Trim off dead foliage

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free