Star-of-Bethlehem or Chincherinchee
Ornithogalum species (LILIACEAE)
Planting and Growing Star-of-Bethlehem
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow star-of-Bethlehem or chincherinchee in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, and root structure of star-of-Bethlehem or chincherinchee
- Season of bloom and planting time for star-of-Bethlehem or chincherinchee
- Plant hardiness and growing conditions for star-of-Bethlehem or chincherinchee
- When, how deep, and where to plant star-of-Bethlehem or chincherinchee
- How to plant star-of-Bethlehem or chincherinchee
- Watering, fertilizing, care and pests or diseases of star-of-Bethlehem or chincherinchee
- Landscape and indoor uses of star-of-Bethlehem or chincherinchee
- Comments about star-of-Bethlehem or chincherinchee and its features
- Health and safety warnings for star-of-Bethlehem or chincherinchee
Growing Star-of-Bethlehem
Spring or summer bulb, depending on species. Deciduous. About 80 species. Stands 1–3 ft. (30–90 cm) tall. Straplike, arching, shiny green leaves.
Star-of-Bethlehem Planting and Care Guide
Flowers
Spring or summer. Orange, green white, white, yellow. Multiple 6-petaled, star-shaped, often fragrant flowers, 2–5 in. (50–125 mm) wide, in tiers ascending vertically atop stalks.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 4–10; ground hardy, zones 4–10, depending on species.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained soil. Fertility: Rich. 6.0–7.0 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Autumn in full sun to partial shade. Space 6–8 in. (15–20 cm) apart, 3–5 in. (75–125 mm) deep.
Proper Care
Easy. Keep moist autumn–spring. Fertilize during growth. Mulch, zones 4–8. Propagate by offsets, seed.
Lifting and Storing
Dark, 50–60°F (10–16°C), in net bag or open basket of dry peat moss.
About This Species
Good choice for beds, borders, containers in woodland gardens. Good for cutting. Naturalizes. Deer, rodent resistant.
Warning:
The bulb and foliage of Ornithogalum species are hazardous if eaten. Avoid planting in gardens frequented by pets and children.