Gardening Plant Encyclopedia Bulb Ornithogalum By Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln Instagram Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on February 1, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Ornithogalum Overview Description The starry white blooms of this European native are commonly called star-of-Bethlehem (shown with Spanish bluebells). Approximately 100 species of ornithogalum exist, many of which go by this common name. Plant height varies by species, and some grow as tall as 3 feet. The flowers, however, are similar, with six delicate petals fanned out to expose six stamens. Star-of-Bethlehem is a good choice for naturalizing because it spreads assertively and holds its lovely blooms for 1-2 weeks. Plant ornithogalum bulbs in the fall in locations with full sun or part shade, spacing bulbs 2-3 inches apart and planting them 3-4 inches deep. A great choice for woodland gardens, ornithogalum naturalizes easily. In fact, bulbs multiply quickly and the plants self-sow readily, so you may want to limit their territory. Although propagation is unnecessary, you can lift plants following their bloom period and remove the small bulbs growing around the larger one. Replant the small bulbs immediately in another spot. Genus Name Ornithogalum Common Name Ornithogalum Plant Type Bulb, Perennial Light Part Sun, Sun Height 6 to 12 inches Width 1 to 2 feet Flower Color White Foliage Color Blue/Green Season Features Spring Bloom Special Features Cut Flowers Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Propagation Division Problem Solvers Groundcover Top Varieties Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit