Ornithogalum

Ornithogalum - New Zealand’s Best Chincherinchee Plants

Growing perennial plants delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They attract birds and bees
• Greater biodiversity is created
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• They bring colour and vibrance to a space
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have a wide range of Ornithogalum of all sizes that are ready for their new home. We are here to help you find the right plant for your space. Choose from a wide variety of locally grown plants that have been propagated and bred to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Ornithogalum, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Ornithogalum

1. Does Ornithogalum come back every year?

Ornithogalum is a perennial plant, meaning that it comes back every year. It is a bulbous plant and stores energy in the bulb which allows it to regrow in the spring, even if the leaves and flowers die back in autumn.

2. What is another name for Ornithogalum?

Ornithogalum is also known by a number of other names, including:

• Star-of-Bethlehem
• Grass lily
• Nap-at-noon
• Eleven-o'clock lady
• Bird's milk
• Dove's dung
• Summer hyacinth
• Cape hyacinth
• Galtonia
• Neopatersonia

Some of these names are specific to certain regions or cultures. For example, "star-of-Bethlehem" is a common name for Ornithogalum umbellatum in English-speaking countries, while "galtonia" is a common name for Ornithogalum candicans in South Africa.

3. How do you look after Ornithogalum?

To care for Ornithogalum, follow these tips:

• Ornithogalum prefer full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.
• Use well-drained soil.
• Water Ornithogalum regularly, especially during the first year after planting. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Feed Ornithogalum in spring with a balanced fertiliser.
• Deadhead the flowers after they bloom to prevent the plant from setting seed and to encourage it to focus its energy on producing new growth for the following year.
• Cut the plant back in Autumn.

Ornithogalum is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but following these tips will help it to thrive and produce beautiful flowers for many years to come.

4. When can I transplant Star of Bethlehem?

The best time to transplant Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum) is in early autumn when the plant is heading towards dormancy. This is because the weather is cooler and the plant is less stressed, which makes it easier to transplant.

5. Is the Star of Bethlehem flower poisonous to touch?

Yes, the Star of Bethlehem flower is poisonous to touch. It contains a toxin called cardiac glycosides, which can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and even death if ingested. The toxin is present in all parts of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, and bulbs. However, the highest concentration of the toxin is found in the bulbs. If you come into contact with the Star of Bethlehem flower, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.

6. Is Star of Bethlehem invasive?

Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is considered invasive in some countries. It is a highly adaptable plant that can thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. It can quickly spread and form dense colonies.