Ornithogalum nutans
drooping star of Bethlehem
A perennial with strap-shaped leaves with a silvery central veins. Erect stems to 45cm bear one-sided racemes of up to 15 nodding, bell-shaped white flowers 3cm in width, with a green stripe on the outside of each tepal
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets if eaten (dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Ornithogalum are bulbous perennials with linear or strap-shaped basal leaves and racemes, sometimes contracted, of star-shaped or cup-shaped, white, yellow or orange flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Bulgaria, Greece,Turkey
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant 10cm deep in autumn in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in autumn or spring, in containers in a cold frame or separate offsets when dormant
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.