Star of Bethlehem Ornithogalum saundersiae - 4 pieces

CHF 22.00

Star of Bethlehem Ornithogalum saundersiae - 4 pieces

Name: Star of Bethlehem Ornithogalum saundersiae - 4 pieces
Brand: Ornithogalum
Price: 22.00 CHF
Availability: OutOfStock

Ornithogalum saundersiae

CHF 22.00

White starry flowers with a black eye
About 90–110 cm tall
Summer flowering from July to September
Very long-lasting cut flower
Plant in spring, overwinter frost-free

Ornithogalum saundersiae is an imposing summer bloomer: stems about 90–110 cm tall carry dense heads of white starry flowers, each with a black eye. The flowers last a long time, both in the border and in the vase. The bulbs are planted in spring and overwintered frost-free.

About this variety

Unlike most stars of Bethlehem, Ornithogalum saundersiae flowers in summer. A strong stem rises from a rosette of broad leaves, topped by a flat, dense flower head. The individual flowers are pure white to cream and have a glossy black ovary in the centre. This contrast makes the plant unmistakable.

At about 90–110 cm tall, it belongs at the back of summer borders or in large containers on the terrace. It goes well with gladioli, agapanthus, dahlias and annual summer flowers such as zinnias. In the cutting garden it is an asset because the flowers last for weeks. The white heads stand out particularly well against dark foliage or beside grasses.

In the vase it lasts a long time, often several weeks. The plant comes from warm regions and is not reliably hardy in Switzerland. In a large container, however, it is easy to lift or overwinter frost-free. That way you can enjoy the elegant flower heads for many years, as they grow stronger from year to year.

Planting

Plant the bulbs in April or May, when hard frosts are no longer likely, about 8–10 cm deep and 20–25 cm apart. The tip points upwards. Choose a warm spot in full sun with free-draining loamy to sandy soil. In large containers use loose compost with drainage.

Care

Water regularly during growth, without waterlogging. Let the foliage yellow after flowering. In autumn lift the bulbs and store them dry and frost-free; move containers to a frost-free place. Stars of Bethlehem are poisonous, so keep them away from children and pets.

Specifications

Botanical name: Ornithogalum saundersiae
Genus: Star of Bethlehem
Class: Various
Supplied as: Flower bulbs
Flower colour: White
Fragrant: Yes
Fragrance strength: Medium
Flowering time: July, August, September
Flowering season: High summer, Late summer and autumn
Foliage colour: Mid-green
Height: 100 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Habit: Upright
Position: Sun
Suitable for: Bed, Bed edge and border, Pot and container, Rock garden, Wildlife garden and meadow, Cutting garden
Soil type: Loamy, Sandy
Drainage: Well-drained
Soil moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil note: Suitable for many Swiss garden soils. A loose structure and good drainage matter more than a particular soil type.
Planting time: September, October, November, December
Planting depth: 8–10 cm
Spacing: 20–25 cm
Number per m²: 16
Hardiness in Switzerland: Not hardy, overwinter frost-free
Hardiness by location: Not hardy, overwinter frost-free
Hardiness zone (USDA): 9–11
Overwintering note: Tolerates brief light frost. Harder or longer frost requires a sheltered spot or frost-free overwintering.
For containers: Well suited to containers
Container note: Grow in a sufficiently large container with drainage holes and good drainage.
Cut flower: Suitable as a cut flower
Naturalising: Not suitable
Naturalising note: Can return for several years. Spreading on its own is not guaranteed for this variety, however.
For bees and butterflies: Not attractive to pollinators
Toxicity: Not edible and possibly harmful. Keep away from children and pets.
RHS hardiness: H2