Ornithogalum
In one corner are the bulb growers who tell us that the plant name comes from the Latin ornis meaning bird and gala meaning white referring to the white elegance of the flower. Practical gardeners look at another meaning for bird-white and the prolific weedy, spreading nature of this white-flowering bulb and think of pigeons rather than doves.
Comes with a Warning
Ive grown this plant and watched it spread quite quickly. It is a delightful blooming plant but control will be necessary in a good garden or it will soon wind up in all manner of places. Do dig up volunteer clumps ruthlessly.
Having said that, this bulb is literally trouble-free, attractive, hardy and will colonize and naturalize anywhere youll let it. Excellent for a rough area.
Basic Growing Info
Flower colour: white inside, greenish outside
Flowering period: March-April
Planting depth to base of bulb: 3-4 inches
Spacing between bulbs: 3 inches
Light requirements: full sun to partial shade
Popular Varieties
Ornithogalum nutans
Flower colour: white inside, greenish outside
Flowering period: March-April
Average plant height: 10-15inches
Planting depth to base of bulb: 3-4 inches
Spacing between bulbs: 3 inches
Light requirements: full sun to partial shade
Ornithogalum umbellatum
Known as the Star of Bethlehem this white flowering bulb loves a part shade position and is slightly taller than the more common O. nutans . Note that if there isnt enough sunshine on a dull day, the flowers will stay closed. This isnt anything youre doing, its just the plants way of saying it isnt happy.
Flower colour: white inside, greenish outside
Flowering period: April-May
Average plant height: 6-7 inches
Planting depth to base of bulb: 3-4 inches
Spacing between bulbs: 3-4 inches
Light requirements: partial shade
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