Species Star of Bethlehem
white flowers with lime center, white filaments, yellow anthers, green-white buds, leaves and lime stems

Star of Bethlehem

Ornithogalum regale

Star of Bethlehem is a species of bulbous perennials native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. Its beautiful star-shaped white and yellow flowers rest atop slender, hollow stems. The flowers are the main attraction of this species, providing both color and shape to the garden. Star of Bethlehem commonly grows in moist soils and dormant during the winter months. Dried flowers and bulbs are both used as a medicinal remedy for various ailments. Thanks to its attractive blooms and easy care, Star of Bethlehem has become a popular garden plant across the world.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Bulb Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 10

Flowers:

Cream to light green Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Star of Bethlehem requires adequate moisture at all times of the year. It does best with weekly watering and should be thoroughly soaked at that time. Water the soil thoroughly (without allowing the soil to become soggy); allow the soil to dry 1-2 inches deep before rewatering. Watering should be done in the morning or early afternoon to avoid disease problems. During summer, it may be necessary to water more frequently in warmer climates as the soil can dry quickly. During the winter, watering may not be necessary if the soil does not dry out.

sunlight

It should be placed in an area where it will receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day with full sun best. It is best to place the plant in an area where it will receive morning sun, as the afternoon sun can be too intense. If the plant is placed in full sun, it is best to provide some afternoon shade to prevent scorching of the leaves.

pruning

Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum regale) can be pruned right after it has finished flowering. It is better to prune off the deadheads and prune the stems back to the basal rosette to encourage new growth. It is important not to prune too aggressively or the plant may not recover. For maintenance pruning, it is recommended to prune 1-third of the old stems in early spring. This will help promote new growth and help keep the overall size of the plant in check.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

The Star of Bethlehem typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

The Star of Bethlehem typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map