Ornithogalum umbellatum - Star of Bethlehem - Naturalised Spring Bulbs for Wildlife Gardens

Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is a graceful spring-flowering bulb producing clusters of crisp white, star-shaped flowers above narrow green foliage.

The flowers open in bright conditions and close again in dull weather or later in the day, giving the plant a wonderfully changeable character through spring. Each flower carries a green stripe on the outside of the petals, particularly visible when the bloom is closed.

Growing to around 15-30cm tall, it is particularly attractive in naturalistic planting through grass, sunny woodland edges, informal borders and beneath lightly shading deciduous trees.

Although not one of our native British wildflowers, Star of Bethlehem has been present in Britain for centuries and is now widely naturalised, especially in grassy places, old meadows, tracksides and open woodland.

Wildlife value

The flowers of Ornithogalum umbellatum are simple and open, making their reproductive structures readily accessible to visiting insects. North Carolina State University specifically records the plant as attracting bees.

We therefore see Star of Bethlehem as useful additional spring forage rather than as a substitute for native spring flora.

Its place in the WYG range reflects our wider approach:

Native where ecological relationships matter most; carefully chosen ornamentals and long-established naturalised species where they genuinely provide useful additional forage.

Planting & care

Position: Full sun or light partial shade
Soil: Well-drained soil; avoid persistently waterlogged conditions
Planting depth: Approximately 8-10cm deep
Spacing: Around 8-10cm apart, or plant more loosely for naturalistic colonies
Height: Approximately 15-30cm
Flowering: Generally April-May, depending on location and season
Aftercare: Allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally after flowering so the bulb can replenish its reserves.

Star of Bethlehem is well suited to naturalising, so plant it somewhere you're happy for colonies to develop over time.

It can spread through offsets and establish persistent patches, which is an advantage in a larger wildlife or naturalistic garden but worth considering before planting it into a tightly controlled small border. BSBI notes that naturalised populations reproduce primarily by bulblets.

A very old arrival

Star of Bethlehem has been grown in gardens for centuries, but its British history is rather more interesting than that of a recent ornamental introduction.

Historical BSBI material records it in Britain as far back as the 16th century, including an early record near the River Thames at Shene - present-day Richmond. Its exact historical status has been debated by botanists, but modern British botanical accounts recognise it as a widespread naturalised plant.

Its botanical name is wonderfully descriptive too: umbellatum refers to the umbrella-like arrangement of its flowers, while the common name comes from their unmistakable white star shape.

SAFETY NOTE

Star of Bethlehem is poisonous if eaten. All parts of the plant contain toxic compounds, with the bulbs being particularly hazardous. It can also be toxic to pets and livestock.

Keep bulbs and plant material away from children and animals likely to ingest them, and wear gloves if you have sensitive skin.

Why Wild Your Garden?

We carefully select bulbs that earn their place in a wildlife-friendly garden - prioritising native and naturalised species where ecological relationships matter most, alongside carefully chosen ornamentals that provide useful additional forage.

Orders are hand-picked for quality and packed in paper wherever suitable, with breathable net packaging used where necessary to keep bulbs in the best possible condition.

We work with specialist bulb growers and suppliers, including long-established local growers.