Xela's Garden

Star of Bethlehem / Chincherinchee

Genus: Ornithogalum.

Species: Ornithogalum thyrsoides.

Planted '08 Vistabile
'12 Vistabile

any well drained soil, preferably sandy with plenty of humus

warm, sunny, sheltered position

bulb
native to South Africa

flowers early summer [April - May]

White
[yellow & orange varieties available]

height 25 cm

The Greeks used the term "bird's milk" ornithos (bird) and gala (milk) to describe something incredible.
The South Africans know them as "tjenkenrientjee" which is where the odd English name chincherinchee comes from.

Skill rating Beginner

Ultimate spread 0.1m

Ultimate height 0.2m

Time to maturity 2-5 years

Maintenance level 1 hour care
per year
Toxic - Ingestion may cause severe discomfort. This plant is toxic!

Other names: Common star of Bethlehem, Ten o'clock lady, Summer snowflake, Sleepy dick, Nap at noon, Jack go to bed at noon, Eleven o'clock lady, Love's dung

Genus: Ornithogalum

Species: O. umbellatum - O. umbellatum is a bulbous perennial with linear leaves and open heads of star-shaped white flowers with green undersides in spring.

Ornithogalum umbellatum is: Deciduous

Flower: White in Spring

Foliage: Green in Spring

Habit: Erect

Toxicity: Ingestion may cause severe discomfort.
[Source: http://www.shootgardening.co.uk/plant/ornithogalum-umbellatum ]

Photos of this plant

Reminders for this plant