{"product_id":"ornithogalum-dubium-star-of-bethlehem-bulbs","title":"Ornithogalum dubium (Star of Bethlehem) Bulbs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eOrnithogalum dubium\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as \u003cstrong\u003eStar of Bethlehem\u003c\/strong\u003e or Orange Star, is a striking bulbous perennial producing clusters of brilliant \u003cstrong\u003egolden yellow-orange flowers with contrasting dark greenish centres\u003c\/strong\u003e. The open, star-shaped blooms are carried in generous clusters above broad green foliage, creating an exceptionally bright spring display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFlowering during April and May and reaching around 20-30cm tall, this South African species is particularly attractive in pots and patio containers, where its intense orange colouring can be appreciated at close range. It enjoys plenty of sunshine and excellent drainage and can also be grown in warm, sheltered garden positions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOrnithogalum dubium\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Star of Bethlehem, Orange Star\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bulbous perennial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower colour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Golden yellow-orange with dark greenish centres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering time:\u003c\/strong\u003e April-May\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 20-30cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 15-20cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fertile, very well-drained soil or compost\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tender to frost; best protected over winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pots, patio containers, conservatories and sheltered sunny borders\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Ornithogalum dubium\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOrnithogalum dubium\u003c\/em\u003e originates from South Africa and stands out from the predominantly white-flowered species of \u003cem\u003eOrnithogalum\u003c\/em\u003e with its exceptionally vivid colouring. Numerous flowers are carried together on sturdy stems, with each individual bloom opening into a neat six-pointed star.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe petals range from rich yellow-orange to brilliant tangerine, surrounding a contrasting darker centre. Planted in groups, the flowers create an intense splash of colour that works particularly well against simple green foliage or neutral-coloured containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere to Grow Ornithogalum dubium\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoose a \u003cstrong\u003ewarm, sunny position\u003c\/strong\u003e with excellent drainage. This species enjoys plenty of light and will generally produce its strongest flowering display when given several hours of direct sunshine each day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the UK it is particularly well suited to containers because it is not reliably hardy through cold, wet winters. Pots can be displayed outside during suitable weather and moved into a frost-free greenhouse, conservatory or other protected position when necessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Plant Ornithogalum dubium Bulbs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant the bulbs approximately \u003cstrong\u003e5-8cm deep\u003c\/strong\u003e with their pointed tips facing upwards. Allow roughly 10-15cm between bulbs in garden soil, or plant several together somewhat more closely in a container for a fuller display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUse fertile but free-draining compost. Adding horticultural grit can be beneficial, particularly in containers, as the bulbs dislike remaining in saturated conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHeight and Spread\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOrnithogalum dubium\u003c\/em\u003e remains relatively compact, reaching approximately \u003cstrong\u003e20-30cm tall\u003c\/strong\u003e with a mature \u003cstrong\u003espread of around 15-20cm\u003c\/strong\u003e. This manageable size makes it particularly useful for windowsills, patios and smaller container displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing in Containers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOrange Star performs exceptionally well in pots. Choose a container with good drainage holes and position it somewhere sunny. Water when actively growing but allow excess water to drain freely rather than leaving the pot permanently wet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe bright orange flowers also make an attractive seasonal display in a bright conservatory or cool indoor position.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Flowering and Winter Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnce flowering finishes, allow the foliage to remain until it naturally begins to yellow. The leaves continue feeding the bulb and building reserves for future growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs the plant enters dormancy, reduce watering. In colder parts of the UK, bulbs are safest kept \u003cstrong\u003efrost-free and relatively dry during winter\u003c\/strong\u003e. Container cultivation makes this seasonal protection straightforward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow Ornithogalum dubium?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExceptionally vivid orange flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinctive star-shaped blooms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContrasting dark greenish flower centres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlowers during April and May\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact 20-30cm height\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpread of approximately 15-20cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent for sunny patio containers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for conservatories and protected cultivation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn unusual alternative to traditional spring bulbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen does Ornithogalum dubium flower?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt normally flowers during April and May, producing clusters of brilliant orange star-shaped blooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow tall does Ornithogalum dubium grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPlants typically reach approximately 20-30cm tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the spread of Ornithogalum dubium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAn established plant usually spreads around 15-20cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes Ornithogalum dubium need full sun?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. A bright, sunny position is ideal and encourages strong flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Orange Star be grown in pots?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Containers are an excellent choice and make it easier to provide the sharp drainage and winter protection this species prefers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ornithogalum dubium hardy in the UK?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is not reliably frost hardy in most UK gardens. Growing the bulbs in containers and protecting them from frost and excessive winter wet is the safest approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould I remove the foliage after flowering?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. Allow the leaves to yellow and die back naturally so they can replenish the bulb before dormancy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its \u003cstrong\u003ebrilliant orange star-shaped flowers, compact habit and unusual colouring\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eOrnithogalum dubium\u003c\/em\u003e is an eye-catching spring bulb for sunny containers, conservatories and carefully chosen sheltered garden positions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jacques Amand","offers":[{"title":"10 Bulbs","offer_id":62373066473859,"sku":"JA-O3015x10","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 Bulbs","offer_id":62373066506627,"sku":"JA-O3015x100","price":79.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1000 Bulbs","offer_id":62373066539395,"sku":"JA-O3015x1000","price":759.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0108\/3418\/2207\/files\/O3015_Ornithogalum_dubium.webp?v=1790255954","url":"https:\/\/gardenwildlife.com\/products\/ornithogalum-dubium-star-of-bethlehem-bulbs","provider":"Garden Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}