Plant Profile: Ornithogalum

This aromatic and visually striking bulb thrives in rich, well-drained soil and should be planted at a depth of 4 inches (10 cm), with spacing of 2 to 5 inches (5-12 cm) between each bulb. It adds a beautiful touch to border fronts but can also serve as an effective ground cover or be cultivated in containers. Keep in mind that it prefers not to be disturbed, so selecting the right location is crucial.

As other perennial flowers begin to fade, these tall spikes adorned with white flowers emerge in late summer and early fall. Rising above long, dark green, strap-like leaves, these spikes can reach heights of up to 4 feet and bear as many as 30 pendant, bell-shaped blooms each. The flowers are long-lasting and make for stunning cut flowers in arrangements, opening gradually from the bottom to the top of the spike, while the leaves slowly die back after blooming.

This plant is adaptable to a variety of climates and is classified as a semi-hardy Tender III, suffering damage when temperatures drop below 28 degrees Fahrenheit. In colder regions, the bulbs can be lifted, dried, and stored over the winter for spring planting. When planting, ensure bulbs are buried to a depth of 6 inches (15 cm) and spaced 8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm) apart. It naturalizes effortlessly and flourishes best in full sun to partial shade.