La Ornithogalum umbellatum, also known as Belen star, is one of the most admired bulbous plants in gardening thanks to its exotic star-shaped bloom and its ease of cultivation. This species, a member of the Liliaceae family, stands out for its adaptability, hardiness, and the ornamental value it offers during spring. If you want your garden to shine with white vegetal stars or are looking for a plant that requires little care and provides great beauty, here you will find all the essential information for successful cultivation and maintenance.
Botanical description and origin of Ornithogalum umbellatum
La Belen star It is a plant native to the Mediterranean Basin, Central Europe and Northwest Africa, also extending into southwest Asia. In fact, it has easily naturalized in multiple regions of the world due to its ornamental cultivation, although in some areas it can behave as an invasive species. It is a bulbous perennial herb small in size, usually measuring 15 to 30 centimeters in height, although in ideal conditions it can reach up to 35 centimeters.
The plant develops underground bulbs as reserve and survival organs, from which sprout between 5 and 10 linear leaves, long, fleshy, bright green, and with a characteristic white band down the center. The leaves typically appear in autumn and persist until late spring, becoming deciduous during the summer.
The inflorescence is a compact umbel, usually composed of 10 to 20 flowers White with a green line on the outside of the tepals. The name Ornithogalum comes from the Greek and means "bird's milk," referring to the pure white of its flowers. Furthermore, the arrangement of its flowers and the lack of a main stem give it a unique appearance.
Flowering: cycle and particularities
La flowering from the Star of Bethlehem is produced in springDepending on the climate and location, this can occur from mid-season to well into the season. Each flower stem emerges directly from the bulb and is leafless. white star-shaped flowers They open only on bright days, closing when the light decreases or the day is cloudy, which constitutes a curious and distinctive phenomenon.
This flowering is ephemeral but intense, and for a few weeks the plant covers flowerbeds, borders, meadows or rockeries with a carpet of small white stars which contrast elegantly with the green of the leaves.
At the end of flowering, the leaves begin to yellow and dry: it is important to allow the natural cycle to continue, since at that point the reserves generated in the leaves migrate to the bulb, ensuring good flowering for the following year.
Key morphological features
- Ports: Herbaceous, bulbous, 15 to 35 cm high.
- Sheets: Linear, fleshy, with a clearly visible central white band, 20-40 cm long and 0,3-1 cm wide.
- Inflorescence: Umbel with 10-20 flowers (sometimes up to 20 or more), each flower with six white tepals and a green band on the outside.
- Resistance: Very cold resistant (zone 7, withstanding up to -17°C).
- Toxicity: The whole plant, especially the bulbs, is toxic if swallowed for people and pets.
Ornamental uses and gardening applications
Ornithogalum umbellatum is perfect for creating naturalized grasslands, rockeries, borders, flower beds, planters, and is also a good choice for growing in pots. It integrates especially well with other herbaceous or ground cover plants, and in spaces with a certain degree of soil moisture. A planting density of 40 bulbs per square meter to achieve a striking and naturalized effect.
Its flowers are valued as cut flower, as they have good durability in vases, which gives them additional interest for interior decoration.
Location and lighting needs
This plant prefers sunny locations, although it tolerates semi-shade. However, the more sun it receives, the more abundant and spectacular the flowering will be. It is suitable for both Exterior (in gardens, meadows, flower beds and rockeries) as well as for interior, as long as it has several hours of direct light next to a well-lit window. You can learn more about growing it at How to grow and propagate Ornithogalum at home.
To avoid problems with flowering, provide at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily and protect it from intense frost, especially if grown in pots or in very cold regions.
If you decide to plant several together directly in the ground, respect a distance of 10 to 15 cm between bulbs so that each plant has enough space to grow without competition.
Soil and substrate requirements
The ideal substrate for Ornithogalum umbellatum should be light, loose and with excellent drainageIt tolerates both acidic and calcareous soils, but grows best in those rich in organic matter and nutrients. If the soil is clayey or heavy, it is recommended to incorporate peat, perlite, coarse sand, or well-rotted organic matter to improve aeration and drainage. For more information on soil care, see complete care of Ornithogalum dubium.
Avoid puddles at all costs, as Bulb rot due to excess moisture is the main enemy of this species. You can install drainage if the soil is compact or floods easily.
Watering: frequency and care
Irrigation is a delicate point in the cultivation of Ornithogalum umbellatum. It requires moderate watering throughout its growing cycle, keeping the substrate slightly moist, but never soaked. During the most active phase, before and during flowering, it is advisable to water regularly (generally every week), especially in drought or hot weather. More details about its care can be found at indoor and outdoor care of Ornithogalum dubium.
After flowering, reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out a little more, as the plant will enter its dormant period and its water requirements will decrease considerably. If the winter is rainy, you can do without additional watering.
In pots, use pots with drainage holes and a loose substrate that prevents water stagnation at the base.
Fertilization and manure
Fertilizer is not essential for this species, but it will achieve a more vigorous flowering and greener leaves If organic matter or specific fertilizer for bulbs is added, it is recommended:
- Organic fertilizer (worm humus, mature compost) every 15-20 days from the start of vegetative activity until two weeks after flowering.
- Slow-release fertilizer for bulbs, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Most common pests and diseases
La Belen star is generally resistant to specific pests and diseases. The greatest threat, as we have already noted, is the bulb rot due to excess moisture or poor drainage. If the bulbs rot, they should be dug up and any damaged ones discarded. Healthy bulbs can be washed and dried before being relocated to a more suitable medium.
In exceptional cases it can be affected by pests such as snails or slugs, which can damage leaves and flowers, especially in very humid environments.
There are no specific fungal or viral diseases associated with Ornithogalum, but maintaining good air circulation and avoiding excess water minimizes any risk.
Multiplication and propagation
This plant is easily and successfully propagated by two methods:
- Bulb division: During the dormant period (usually in late summer or fall), dig up the mother bulbs and separate the small bulblets that grow around them. Clean and dry the bulbs before planting them in their new location, or store them in a cool, dry, and dark place if you're not planting them immediately. Fall is the best time to plant bulbs.
- Sowing seeds: After flowering, collect the seeds from the dried capsules. Sow them in light soil and keep it moist until germination occurs, a process that usually takes several weeks. This method is slower, and plants grown from seed can take years to flower, but it is useful for obtaining large quantities of plants or preserving specific varieties.
Propagation by bulb is faster and more reliable, as bulblets typically flower within two to three seasons of planting. Over time, Star of Bethlehem can form dense colonies if allowed to naturalize.
Care after flowering and dormancy period
Once flowering is over, the leaves will begin to yellow and dry out. It is essential Do not cut the foliage until it is completely dryDuring this period, essential nutrients are transferred from the leaves to the bulb. Once the shoots are dry, they can be easily removed.
In regions with mild winters, bulbs can be left in the ground. If the area is prone to severe frost or the soil remains very wet in winter, it is preferable to remove the bulbs, dry them, and store them in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.
Ideal associations and combinations in the garden
The Star of Bethlehem stands out in natural meadows, rockeries and borders, especially alongside other spring bulbs such as tulips, daffodils and muscarisIt is advisable to avoid locations where the lawn is regularly mowed during spring, as this risks cutting the foliage prematurely and preventing proper replenishment of reserves in the bulb.
In partially shaded areas, it can be combined with ferns, hostas, and other low-maintenance perennials. In pots, it allows for the creation of mixed arrangements with other bulbous species.
Toxicity Precautions
It is essential to remember that all organs of Ornithogalum umbellatum, especially the bulbs, contain toxic compounds, such as sparteine, which can cause poisoning in people and pets if accidentally consumed. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid planting them in areas where small children play or where pets are prone to digging and eating the bulbs.
Other notable species of the genus Ornithogalum
- Ornithogalum thyrsoides: Native to South Africa, it produces dense clusters of white flowers on tall stems, highly valued as a cut flower.
- Ornithogalum narbonense: Present in the Mediterranean basin and western Iran, with an elongated raceme inflorescence and white flowers with a green line.
- Ornithogalum dubium: Typical of southern Africa, it is distinguished by its very striking orange or yellow flowers.
- Ornithogalum nutans: Native to Bulgaria and Türkiye, its flowers hang in a bell shape from the flower stems.
- Ornithogalum arabicum: With white flowers with a dark center and great value in floral arrangements due to their vase life.
These relatives of the Star of Bethlehem have similar cycles and care, but with variations in flower color and size, so they can be used to diversify the visual appearance of your garden or bulb collection.
Frequently asked questions about Ornithogalum umbellatum
- When to plant the bulbs? The best time is early fall in temperate climates, or spring after the risk of frost has passed in colder regions.
- How often should bulbs be multiplied? You can divide bulbs every 3-4 years if you notice that the clump has become too dense or flowering has decreased.
- What to do if it doesn't bloom? Make sure it receives enough sun and don't cut the foliage early. Too much shade or premature cutting can prevent flowering.
- How to keep bulbs out of the ground? Make sure they are clean, dry, and store them in a well-ventilated, cool place without direct light.
La Ornithogalum umbellatum is the perfect choice for those looking Ease of cultivation, beauty and minimal maintenance In the garden. In addition to its elegance and resilience, this bulbous plant is ideal for naturalizing spaces, celebrating spring with its starry blooms, and enjoying unique botanical details for several weeks each year. By choosing the right location and taking care with the substrate and watering, your Star of Bethlehem will reward you with its characteristic white blanket year after year.
