Ornithogalum umbellatum

Ornithogalum umbellatum Star-of-Bethlehem. An almost forgotten bulb and yet an undemanding, charming little thing surprising us from mid to late spring with clusters of upward-facing white stars. ms.

On sunny days the flowers open around 11 and go to bed again halfway during the afternoon. Thus 11 o'clock lady is one of the names it wears.

A modest plant that is easily overlooked in gardens but on closer inspection it shows character and beauty. Ideal for the wild garden, in grass, thin woodland or under shrubs in the border. Where happy it will return for years and may even turn into a vigorous colonizer. Height 20-25cm.

Suggestion: Plant it in between the blue and pink Hyacinthoides for an attractive late spring picture in light shade.