Ornithogalum pyrenaicum

RHS Plant Profile
spiked star of Bethlehem

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Other common names

Bath asparagus, French asparagus, French sparrow grass, Prussian asparagus, Pyrenean star of Bethlehem, spiked ornithogalum

Synonyms

Ornithogalum sulphureum

Bulbs
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A clump-forming, bulbous perennial to around 60cm in height with narrow, glaucous grey-green foliage. In June and July the foliage dies back and long, tall spikes holding clusters of greenish-white buds open to greenish-white, star-shaped flowers

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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
W & C Europe to Med

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant bulbs in autumn, 10cm deep, in well-drained soil in full sun; tolerant of partial shade. If sown in situ, plants may take up to five years to produce flowers

Propagation

Propagate by seed. If sowing in pots, leave, undisturbed, for the first two years with the occasional feed of liquid fertiliser. After this, divide the bulbs into two or three per pot, leaving to grow for another year before planting outside

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free