The Blue Star of Bethlehem flower, with its delicate, star-shaped blooms, offers a captivating display. This spring-blooming plant is a popular choice for gardeners due to its appealing appearance and relatively straightforward cultivation.
Identifying Blue Star of Bethlehem Flowers
Scientifically known as Ornithogalum umbellatum, this bulbous perennial herbaceous plant grows in tufts of narrow, grass-like leaves with a distinctive white stripe. Leaves emerge in autumn, persisting until late spring when they fade as flowers appear. The plant produces white, star-shaped flowers, usually with six petals, arranged in clusters. Each petal has a green stripe on its outside. Blossoms typically open in late morning sunlight and close during cloudy weather or at sunset. Blooming occurs from late spring to early summer, generally between March and June. Other common names include grass lily, nap-at-noon, or eleven-o’clock lady.
Cultivating Blue Star of Bethlehem
Planting
Blue Star of Bethlehem bulbs are best planted in the fall, ideally six to eight weeks before the first expected frost. Dig holes three to six inches deep, spacing bulbs four to six inches apart. Ensure the pointed end of each bulb faces upwards. After planting, thoroughly water the area to settle the soil.
Light Requirements
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it tolerates some shade, it produces the most abundant blooms with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light can cause flowers to remain closed.
Soil Preferences
Well-draining soil is essential for Blue Star of Bethlehem. Loamy or sandy soil types are preferred, as bulbs rot in waterlogged conditions. The plant tolerates a wide range of soil pH, performing best in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.5-7.5). Amending heavy clay soils with organic matter like compost, perlite, or coarse sand improves drainage and aeration.
Watering
Moderate watering maintains consistent soil moisture, especially during the active growing season in spring and early summer. Keep the soil moist but not saturated, allowing the top inch or two to dry out between waterings. Once foliage yellows and the plant enters dormancy, typically after blooming, reduce or stop watering entirely.
Fertilizing
Blue Star of Bethlehem requires minimal fertilization; too much can hinder flowering or encourage excessive foliage. Mixing compost into the soil annually in early spring promotes healthy growth and flowering. If additional nutrients are desired, apply a balanced fertilizer or one formulated for bulbs sparingly during the growing season.
Propagating Blue Star of Bethlehem
Blue Star of Bethlehem primarily reproduces by dividing its underground bulbs, which form offsets or bulblets around the parent. The best time to divide is during dormancy, typically after flowering in late spring/early summer, or in late summer/early fall. Carefully dig up clumps, gently separate offsets, and replant them immediately at a similar depth.
While seed propagation is possible, it is slower than bulb division. The plant produces seed pods after flowering; collect them once dry and brown. Seeds can be sown in the fall, but germination may take several weeks to months.
Important Considerations for Gardeners
Blue Star of Bethlehem can spread aggressively in gardens, naturalizing rapidly through its bulbs and self-seeding. This can outcompete native plant species. In some areas, like Alabama, it’s classified as a Class C Noxious Weed due to its invasive potential.
To manage spread, plant in contained areas or regularly dig up unwanted bulbs. Avoid tilling, as this spreads bulbils. Do not add removed bulbs to compost piles, as they can continue to grow. All parts of the plant, especially the bulbs, contain toxic compounds like cardiac glycosides, saponins, and alkaloids. Ingestion by humans or pets can cause gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially severe heart issues. Wear gloves when handling to prevent skin irritation from its sap. Keep this plant away from children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.