Ornithogalum saundersiae

The Ornithogalum saundersiae is a variety of Ornithogalum, also known as the Bethlehem Star. It shows beautiful originality by bearing on its upright stems beautiful corymbs of star-shaped flowers hovering over green foliage that tends towards grey. At the heart of each flower, the ovary forms a dark olive green, an almost black sphere that resembles an eye or a precious pearl. This is the tallest and most upright variety of Ornithogalum we offer, and it creates a particularly striking visual effect, mainly if you cultivate it in an elegant pot with simple design lines. The flowers in bouquets last a very long time.

Belonging to the Liliaceae family, the Ornithogalum saundersiae comes from southern Africa. Its unique habit is perfectly erect; the floral stem shoots straight up from the basal leaves and carries the inflorescences at a height of 80 cm (32in). The foliage is quite characteristic, ensate (sword-shaped), upright and reaching, on average, halfway up the flowering stems. The corymbs group together numerous small white star-shaped cups with a black or dark green ovary in their centre. This raised element in the hollow of the flower brings a touch of contrast and adds even more personality to this beautiful bulbous plant. The flowers open from the periphery to the centre from April to June and emit a delicate fragrance. The Ornithogalum is very suitable for fresh flower bouquets; it can be kept in a vase for a whole month while the small cups bloom one by one. Consider filling a single-flower vase with it; it lends itself wonderfully to that.

In the garden, the Ornithogalum saundersiae must be planted in full sun in light and well-drained soil. The soil can be slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. It also requires regular watering. Plant the bulbs 10 cm (4in) deep once the last frost has passed. This variety is frost-sensitive and cannot tolerate temperatures below -3°C (26.6°F). In autumn, the bulbs will need to be stored.

This Bethlehem Star is not the same as the one used in Bach flower remedies. Attention: this variety is toxic if ingested in large quantities.