Summer Garden Star-of-Bethlehem

The Summer Star-of-Bethlehems, unlike the spring star-of-Bethlehems such as the Dame's Rocket (Ornithogalum umbellatum) which are garden plants, are frost-sensitive bulbous plants that are best cultivated in pots, which allows them to be protected from the cold and humidity in winter. In the ground, they will be dug up in autumn, like gladioli, and will spend the winter in a dry place. Brought out in May, they will flower in July-August. From a modest clump of leaves emerge spikes of golden yellow, orange or copper star-shaped flowers (Ornithogalum dubium 'African Breeze'), more commonly white and green (Ornithogalum arabicum, the Star of Bethlehem), depending on the varieties. These are heat and sun-loving species that make excellent indoor plants.