Ornithogalum balansae - Star of Bethlehem

These early spring bulbs add a sprinkle of stardust to your garden or outdoor space with small, white, star-shaped flowers. Hardy through most of the UK down to -15°C.

Bring starlight to your garden with these gorgeous white blooms. Clusters of these small six-petalled blooms will bring in a little brightness in mid-spring each year. The compact Star of Bethlehem plant will do well in containers and in the ground too, so is ideal for balconies, window boxes or smaller gardens. Just make sure it's planted in well-draining soil, in a spot where it can get some sun, and it'll be adding interest to your space in no time.

Scientific Name
Ornithogalum balansae (bird-milk flower, Balansa's variety)

Common Name
Star of Bethlehem, Balansa's Star of Bethlehem, Dwarf Star of Bethlehem, Rockery Ornithogalum, Pyrenees Star of Bethlehem, Dove's Dung

Origin
Native to Northeastern Turkey, the Balkans and Georgia.

Pruning Tips
Deadhead blooms to keep it tidy and stop seed spreading everywhere; let the foliage die back naturally.

Wildlife Value
Its flowers attract bees, hoverflies and other pollinators

Positioning
Prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant in well-drained soil in borders, rock gardens, or naturalised drifts. Suitable for containers if proper drainage is provided. Can grow in both exposed and sheltered positions.

Water
Make sure the soil is moist whilst your Ornithogalum is growing; outdoors in the UK it is unlikely to need much extra water unless it is unseasonably dry in April. Make sure the soil is drier after it has bloomed.

Soil
Plant in well-draining soil. Avoid heavy clay soil which retain too much moisture for the Star of Bethlehem. It will prefer a slightly alkaline to neutral pH.

Food
Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser at the start of the growing season to encourage strong growth and vibrant blooms.

Pet-safe
No, this plant is toxic and care should be taken when handling it. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

Sprouts Top Tips
This plant is adapted to rocky environments in its natural habitat, so keep in mind when you plant it that it won't like puddles!
While it is fine with lower temperatures, it will rot if it is both soaking wet and freezing cold so make sure the soil still drains well in winter.