{"title":"Seasonal Star of Bethlehem","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"109\" data-end=\"246\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenus: \u003cem data-start=\"120\" data-end=\"134\"\u003eOrnithogalum\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"109\" data-end=\"246\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"137\" data-end=\"148\"\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Asparagaceae\u003cbr data-start=\"161\" data-end=\"164\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"164\" data-end=\"181\"\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Star of Bethlehem\u003cbr data-start=\"199\" data-end=\"202\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"202\" data-end=\"219\"\u003eNative Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Europe, Asia, and Africa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"248\" data-end=\"619\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"248\" data-end=\"264\"\u003eDescription:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"264\" data-end=\"267\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"267\" data-end=\"281\"\u003eOrnithogalum\u003c\/em\u003e is a genus of bulbous perennials admired for their star-shaped, often white or orange blooms and grass-like foliage. The most common species, \u003cem data-start=\"424\" data-end=\"449\"\u003eOrnithogalum umbellatum\u003c\/em\u003e, known as Star of Bethlehem, produces clusters of bright white flowers with green stripes on the reverse side of each petal, giving them a distinctive and delicate look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"621\" data-end=\"1029\"\u003eFlowering in spring or early summer, \u003cem data-start=\"658\" data-end=\"672\"\u003eOrnithogalum\u003c\/em\u003e is typically used in rock gardens, borders, or containers, and some species are grown as cut flowers or houseplants. These plants multiply by offsets and may naturalize over time in favourable conditions, creating a soft carpet of blooms. While beautiful, a few species can be invasive or toxic, so site placement and supervision around pets are important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1031\" data-end=\"1046\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1031\" data-end=\"1046\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1048\" data-end=\"1583\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1048\" data-end=\"1145\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1050\" data-end=\"1145\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1050\" data-end=\"1060\"\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to part shade; flowering is more prolific with at least 4–6 hours of sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1146\" data-end=\"1222\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1148\" data-end=\"1222\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1148\" data-end=\"1157\"\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained soil is key; avoid heavy or poorly drained spots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1223\" data-end=\"1327\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1225\" data-end=\"1327\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1225\" data-end=\"1235\"\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low to moderate; water during active growth, then allow bulbs to dry out during dormancy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1328\" data-end=\"1474\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1330\" data-end=\"1474\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1330\" data-end=\"1344\"\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zones 4–9 depending on species; in Canada, often treated as hardy bulbs in milder regions or lifted and stored in colder zones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1475\" data-end=\"1583\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1477\" data-end=\"1583\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1477\" data-end=\"1493\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low; remove spent foliage after it yellows, and divide clumps every few years if desired.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1585\" data-end=\"1609\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1585\" data-end=\"1609\"\u003eInteresting Tidbits:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1611\" data-end=\"2160\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1611\" data-end=\"1721\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1613\" data-end=\"1721\"\u003eThe name \u003cem data-start=\"1622\" data-end=\"1636\"\u003eOrnithogalum\u003c\/em\u003e means “bird’s milk” in Greek, a poetic reference to the plant’s pure white blooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1722\" data-end=\"1842\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1724\" data-end=\"1842\"\u003eSome species, like \u003cem data-start=\"1743\" data-end=\"1764\"\u003eOrnithogalum dubium\u003c\/em\u003e, are grown as indoor flowering bulbs with vibrant orange or yellow flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1843\" data-end=\"1947\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1845\" data-end=\"1947\"\u003eWhile striking, parts of the plant can be toxic to humans and pets if ingested—especially the bulbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1948\" data-end=\"2053\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1950\" data-end=\"2053\"\u003eOnce established, they can be quite resilient and are often seen popping up reliably year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2054\" data-end=\"2160\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2056\" data-end=\"2160\"\u003eIn floral arrangements, the flowers have a long vase life and bring a fresh, clean elegance to bouquets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","products":[],"url":"https:\/\/www.scottsnurseryonline.com\/collections\/star-of-bethlehem.oembed","provider":"Scott's Nursery Ltd. ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}