Members of the lily family, the genus Ornithogalum includes about 150 species, both hardy and
tender, native to Southern Europe and Asia Minor. Out of those, only a modest few species are
in cultivation today. Ornithogalums are trouble-free, grow in any soil and naturalize easily.
Blooming in March and April the flowers are borne on spikes in groups of 3-12, with each flower
having six separate, spreading petals. The nodding, fragrant, star-shaped flowers have soft
jade-green colored bands on the outside and are white on the inside.
These beautiful flowers make an excellent, long-lasting cut flower and are much appreciated for
unusual floral arrangements. Leaves are borne at the base of the plant, and are as long as the flower stalks.
Landscape uses include: borders, beds with other bulbous or perennial plants, and rock gardens.
Nodding Stars of Bethlehem can be left undisturbed for many years in the garden, and are
particularly suitable for naturalizing. This species prefers a wooded environment.
