Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)

white flowers with five petals each and many green leaves around them

La Ornithogalum umbellatum, also known as Star of Bethlehem or Chicken Milk, is a plant that is part of the grass family, of the genus of Ornithogalum.

It is a bulbous long-lived species, native mostly to southern and central Europe, northwestern Africa, and southwestern Asia. In places like North America, they are not only grown for decorative purposes, it is also a plant that has spread wildly in multiple areas.

Features

different white flowers, some open and others closed with six petals each

La Ornithogalum umbellatum can be found in areas where stony fields abound and stands out thanks to large clusters completely filled with white flowers. The flowering process usually occurs in late spring.

The Star of Bethlehem has bulbs that measure between 15 and 25 millimeters in length and about 18 or 32 millimeters in diameter. Most of the time it has about 6 or 10 linear leaves which in turn have a white band on their beam that measures approximately 30 centimeters long by eight millimeters wide.

Its flowers are grouped in a clustered corymb that is composed of a few six or 20 very small white flowers with a greenish stripe.

Uses of Ornithogalum umbellatum

In ancient times, the bulbs of the Star of Bethlehem were considered laxatives and diuretics. In the same way, as emollients that were used to soften cysts and some tumors.

Farming

To cultivate this species it is essential that we bear in mind that needs a lot of humidity, especially during the winter and spring seasons, however, it resists the summer drought very well.

It can be planted around a wooded garden as a semi-shade plant. Its flowering time is usually between April and May in the southern part of Europe.

This plant grows best when grown in perfectly drained soils regardless of the type. It can be easily grown in areas with a Mediterranean climate.

For its cultivation the bulbs are taken and buried during the springIt is very important that they are collected and protected when winter arrives. Its irrigation should be done every week preferably without repeating.

As for the its propagation is carried out by means of bulbs that develop close to the original bulb and that also will not flower until the second year.

Care

Although the Ornithogalum umbellatum It can develop in any type of soil, it develops better in those that contain a neutral, acidic or alkaline pH.

The underground part of the star of bethlehem grows most strongly on supports that have clay, loam or sandy textures, as these remain moist most of the time. Watering should be done only to keep the soil moist without overdoing it.

Their lighting requirements are not very demanding, these plants are usually located in places that have direct exposure to sunlight or with semi shade.

It is recommended that the fertilizer be applied every 15 days using algae extract, preferably one week before cultivating the bulbs and continuing to apply it for a month after flowering.

Plagues and diseases

white wildflowers called star of belen

There are some pests that usually attack this species, such as the whiteflies, spider mites and aphids, which can be combated by applying specific insecticide products.

Moreover, slugs and snails eat the leaves, so to avoid this type of problem, it is advisable to place an antilimaco product around the floor.

Some fungi can cause the well-known ink stain on the bulbs, which are small dark spots that end up decomposing. It is very important to remove the diseased bulbs and avoid planting new bulbs in the same soil.

The mushroom Fusarium causes the base to begin to rot, causing damage from the storage process until it is completely rotten. To eliminate this type of fungus ideally apply chemicals and also treat the bulbs that have not been damaged using a fungicide.


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