Garden star-of-bethlehem - Ornithogalum umbellatum (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Garden star-of-bethlehem

Also known as: Nap-at-noon, Sleepydick

Garden star-of-bethlehem is a bulbous flowering plant that is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and blooms in late spring. In spite of what you might hear, garden star-of-bethlehem is actually toxic to humans, and consumption is not recommended by modern experts. It is also extremely invasive, so planting it is a risk.

Scientific classification

Species

Garden star-of-bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Early summer, Mid summer

Harvest Time

10 cm to 30 cm

Plant Height

10 cm to 15 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

1.5 cm to 2 cm

Flower Size

Black

Fruit Color

White, Green

Flower Color

Green, White

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

Images of Garden star-of-bethlehem

Distribution of Garden star-of-bethlehem

Distribution Map

The garden star-of-bethlehem is native to Central and Western Europe, where it occurs in grasslands. The species was introduced to much of Europe, where it's widely cultivated as an ornamental. It was also introduced to North America, where it has escaped cultivation. The garden star-of-bethlehem is considered a noxious weed in Alabama (USA) and potentially invasive in Connecticut (USA), where it invades disturbed sites and displaces native flora.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Grassy places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Garden star-of-bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is a common wildflower, loved for its abundant and elegant white blooms. It makes a nice addition to coastal, cottage, and informal gardens. However, due to its weedy and invasive properties, it may be best to plant it in meadows and naturalized borders where it can be paired with other resilient and fast-spreading wildflowers. It can also be utilized on banks and slopes and makes for a great groundcover.

Symbolism

Beauty in collective simplicity, innocence, purity, honesty, hope

Name Story

Garden star-of-bethlehem: It was once depicted in art by artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci. Legend has it that it originally grew out of debris from the star of Bethlehem, so it is called garden star-of-bethlehem.

Eleven-o'clock lady||Nap-at-noon: This plant looks like a delicate girl. When the bright sunshine appears, it will then only bloom slowly. Once it hits the evening or cloudy day, then it will not bloom as if it does not wake up. Hence, it is called an eleven-o'clock lady or nap-at-noon.

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Toxicity

Garden star-of-bethlehem is toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. The bulb and flowers contain harmful alkaloids causing gastrointestinal issues, mouth swelling, and skin irritation. Cats and dogs may suffer serious health problems if they ingest garden star-of-bethlehem, particularly the bulb. Immediate veterinary attention is needed if pets are poisoned by garden star-of-bethlehem. Owners should prevent pets from accessing the plant.

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Quickly Identify Garden star-of-bethlehem

Star-shaped white blooms with green stripe on petals

Flowers measure 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter

Thrives in full sun to 25% shade

Drought-tolerant in summer, needs consistent moisture when growing

Bulbs planted 5 inches (12.7 cm) deep, spaced 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) apart

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Care Guide for Garden star-of-bethlehem

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Garden star-of-bethlehem thrives in well-drained soils and prefers moderate moisture, requiring weekly watering while avoiding waterlogging. As an herbaceous perennial, it is influenced by rainfall, needing less supplemental watering during wet periods.

Fertilize: Fertilize garden star-of-bethlehem biannually with balanced nutrition in early spring and mid-summer to promote growth and flowering. Water soil before applying fertilizer, use diluted solutions for young or potted garden star-of-bethlehem, and reduce fertilization after flowering for optimal health and vibrant blooms.

Pruning: Garden star-of-bethlehem features white star-shaped flowers and thrives with minimal pruning. Early to late spring is ideal for removing spent blooms, enhancing air circulation and preventing overcrowding. Light maintenance improves vitality and flowering; consult horticultural sources for detailed pruning techniques.

Propagation: The ideal propagation method for garden star-of-bethlehem involves planting tubers in Spring. Success is shown by the emergence of new shoots. Ensure proper watering practices, as over-watering can lead to rot during the propagation process.

Repotting: Garden star-of-bethlehem requires excellent drainage when potted to thrive, ensuring that excess water does not accumulate and lead to root rot. Proper potting mixes that promote airflow and drainage are essential for the health of garden star-of-bethlehem.

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Images of Garden star-of-bethlehem

Distribution of Garden star-of-bethlehem

Culture

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Garden star-of-bethlehem

Care Guide for Garden star-of-bethlehem

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