Ornithogalum arabicum
Ornithogalum arabicum
Ornithogalum arabicum
Ornithogalum arabicum
Star of Bethlehem, Arabian Star Flower
The bulbs were beautiful But none of them sprouted. I left them in place. So perhaps they will wake up this spring?
Brifau, 30/11/2025
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Description
Ornithogalum arabicum is a bulb with a particularly elegant flowering. Its numerous small star-shaped, milky white flowers gradually bloom in late spring, revealing a heart of a beautiful black pearl. The overall effect is very refined and perfumes the surroundings, making it ideal for lasting cut flowers. It is a perennial that needs a warm, sunny exposure and prefers to spend the winter indoors.
Originally from the Middle East, the Star of Bethlehem is a plant that is considered thermophilic (grows best in a warm environment) and xerophilous (Thriving in a hot and dry climate). It loves the sun and heat and tolerates drought. Therefore, it thrives in a Mediterranean climate, prefers well-drained soil, even sandy soil, and should be stored dry during the cold season. If temperatures drop below -5°C (23°F) in your region, or if there is heavy rainfall, it is best to dig up the bulbs or grow them in pots to protect them. Otherwise, a layer of mulch will suffice and it will flower in a well-exposed rock garden or a sunny border.
Ornithogalum has an upright habit. Its base consists of long, simple leaf blades that are ribbon-shaped and can reach 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10in) long and 2 cm (1in) wide. In the centre of these leaves, a solid cylindrical stem emerges with a pyramidal corymb at its top. It is composed of numerous small porcelain-coloured flowers that gradually open from bottom to top. They reveal what appears to be a stunning small black berry in the centre, which is actually an ovary. It is surrounded by slightly saffron-coloured stamens. Florists have long been charmed by this beauty, and it is easy to understand why. With exceptionally pure, fragrant flowers that last a long time in a vase, how can one resist? If your climate is particularly warm, it will appear as early as the end of May and reach 50 cm (20in) high.
Ornithogalum arabicum is a precious plant that requires a little protection. Growing it in a pot or on a veranda will allow you to enjoy its fragrance and beauty up close. In a sunny location, it will take over from spring bulbs and welcome summer, with irises. Plant it near high-traffic areas to breathe in its scent.
Plant habit
Flowering
Foliage
Botanical data
Ornithogalum
arabicum
Asparagaceae
Star of Bethlehem, Arabian Star Flower
Middle East
Planting and care
Ornithogalum arabicum requires a warm and sunny exposure to grow and flower. Plant it in well-drained, dry, even sandy soil that does not retain moisture. Cover it with 8 cm (3in) of substrate.
In cold regions, bulbs should be lifted in winter and stored in a dry place with a little potting compost. You can also plant them in pots and bring them indoors for the cold season. In this case, do not to water them or water very little.
Planting period
Intended location
Care
Planting & care advice
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Hardiness is the lowest winter temperature a plant can endure without suffering serious damage or even dying. However, hardiness is affected by location (a sheltered area, such as a patio), protection (winter cover) and soil type (hardiness is improved by well-drained soil).
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In temperate climates, pruning of spring-flowering shrubs (forsythia, spireas, etc.) should be done just after flowering.
Pruning of summer-flowering shrubs (Indian Lilac, Perovskia, etc.) can be done in winter or spring.
In cold regions as well as with frost-sensitive plants, avoid pruning too early when severe frosts may still occur.
The harvesting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions in USDA zone 8 (France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...) fruit and vegetable harvests are likely to be delayed by 3-4 weeks.
In warmer areas (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), harvesting will probably take place earlier, depending on weather conditions.
The sowing periods indicated on our website apply to countries and regions within USDA Zone 8 (France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...), delay any outdoor sowing by 3-4 weeks, or sow under glass.
In warmer climes (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), bring outdoor sowing forward by a few weeks.
The planting period indicated on our website applies to regions in USDA Zone 9a (East Coast and Midlands: Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Portlaoise). It will vary depending on where you live:
- On the west coast and in the north-west (Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Donegal, Westport), delay planting by 1 to 2 weeks in spring and bring it forward by 1 to 2 weeks in autumn compared to the dates given, preferably choosing periods without strong winds.
- In the inland hills and plateaus (Wicklow Mountains, Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Connemara, Killarney), it is best to plant in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October), avoiding periods of waterlogged soil in winter and strong winds, which pose the main risk to newly planted trees in these areas.
The flowering period indicated on our website applies to regions in USDA Zone 9a, such as the East Coast and Midlands, including Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny and Portlaoise.
This will vary depending on where you live:
- On the west coast and in the northwest (Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Donegal and Westport), it will be delayed by one to two weeks compared to the given dates, due to stronger Atlantic winds and less spring sunshine.
- In the inland hills and plateaus (the Wicklow Mountains, the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Connemara and Killarney), flowering will be delayed by two to three weeks. Flowering mainly occurs between May and July, with the limiting factors being less frost and more of the excessive humidity, strong winds and lack of sunshine that are characteristic of these areas.