With a common name of ‘Sun Star’, Ornithogalum dubium with its brilliant orange flowers certainly lives up to its name.
Also known as the ‘Star of Bethlehem’ flower color does vary from the orange pictured right, to yellow. Occasional white varieties occur, however these are often hybrids or in fact other species.
Reaching around 12 inches tall with green lance shaped foliage Ornithogalum dubium is a bulb that grows well in containers and in the ground.
Outdoors, best in USDA zones 8 – 10, however in containers, or when over wintered by digging you can easily grow this colorful bulb in cooler zones.
In those cooler zones, lift bulbs after they have died right back and store over winter in a cool dry position. Propagation is easy by division, or you can grow from seed planted in spring.
Originally from South Africa this is a spring flowering bulb that requires a frost free environment a sunny position and well drained soil. An excellent plant for a patio where the colorful flowers are appreciated in spring.
Ornithogalum dubium Care
- Full sun to afternoon shade, although in the warmer zones strong indirect light is suitable.
- During active growth, water with a liquid seaweed fertilizer, allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings.
- Foliage should be left to die back naturally, this allows energy to be put back into the bulb for next seasons flowers.
- Water should be limited over summer, they soil should be reasonably dry but not allowed to desiccate.
If left in the ground we suggest that you water well every 4 weeks during hot dry summers.
