{"product_id":"ornithogalum-longibracteatum-false-sea-onion-bulbs","title":"Ornithogalum longibracteatum (False Sea Onion) Bulbs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eOrnithogalum longibracteatum\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as the \u003cstrong\u003eFalse Sea Onion\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003ePregnant Onion\u003c\/strong\u003e, is an unusual bulbous perennial producing long, arching green leaves and tall flower spikes topped with numerous small, fragrant white flowers. Each star-shaped bloom has a distinctive green stripe through the centre of the petals, creating a delicate display from late spring into summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFlowering from approximately \u003cstrong\u003eMay to August\u003c\/strong\u003e, this curious bulb makes an excellent specimen for pots, conservatories and bright indoor positions. It enjoys good light, some direct sunshine and a free-draining growing medium, and is best protected from prolonged frost and excessive winter wet in the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOrnithogalum longibracteatum\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAccepted synonym:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAlbuca bracteata\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/strong\u003e False Sea Onion, Pregnant Onion\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 White with green central stripes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering time:\u003c\/strong\u003e May-August\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 60-90cm in flower\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 30-45cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFragrance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lightly fragrant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright light with some direct sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fertile, moisture-retentive but very well-drained compost\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tender; best protected from frost in the UK\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pots, conservatories, greenhouses and bright indoor positions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Ornithogalum longibracteatum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFalse Sea Onion is an unusual species with a large, partly exposed bulb and broad, strap-like leaves that arch gracefully outwards. Although long known horticulturally as \u003cem\u003eOrnithogalum longibracteatum\u003c\/em\u003e, it is also classified botanically as \u003cem\u003eAlbuca bracteata\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant's curious growth habit has led to the common name \u003cstrong\u003ePregnant Onion\u003c\/strong\u003e, referring to its tendency to produce small offsets around the parent bulb. These can eventually develop into independent plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFragrant Summer Flower Spikes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are produced on tall, upright spikes that rise well above the foliage. Numerous small, star-shaped blooms open gradually along the stem, each predominantly white with an attractive \u003cstrong\u003egreen stripe through the centre\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFlowering can continue from May through August, providing a surprisingly long season of interest from a single bulb. The flowers also have a light fragrance, adding another dimension when plants are grown close to a seating area or indoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere to Grow False Sea Onion\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoose a position with \u003cstrong\u003ebright light and some direct sunshine\u003c\/strong\u003e. A sunny windowsill, conservatory, greenhouse or sheltered patio position during summer can all work well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the UK, container growing is generally the safest option because the plant is not reliably hardy through cold, wet winters. Pots can be moved under cover before temperatures fall significantly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Plant Ornithogalum longibracteatum Bulbs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant the bulb in a free-draining compost, leaving the \u003cstrong\u003eupper portion of the bulb above soil level\u003c\/strong\u003e rather than burying it deeply. A potting mix containing additional grit or perlite is useful for maintaining good drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWater well during active growth, then allow the compost to dry slightly before watering again. The plant enjoys moisture while growing, but stagnant, waterlogged compost should be avoided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHeight and Spread\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOrnithogalum longibracteatum\u003c\/em\u003e can reach approximately \u003cstrong\u003e60-90cm tall when in flower\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a mature \u003cstrong\u003espread of around 30-45cm\u003c\/strong\u003e. The flower stems are taller than the arching leaves and provide a light, airy vertical accent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWinter Dormancy and Protection\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGrowth may slow considerably during winter and plants can enter a period of dormancy, particularly when kept cooler and drier. Reduce watering during this resting phase and avoid keeping the bulb permanently wet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough established plants may tolerate brief light frost in very sheltered conditions, they are safest kept \u003cstrong\u003efrost-free\u003c\/strong\u003e in the UK. A cool greenhouse, conservatory or bright indoor position is ideal over winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOffsets and Propagation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most interesting features of the Pregnant Onion is its ability to produce small offsets around the parent bulb. These can be left in place to form a larger specimen or removed and potted separately once they are sufficiently developed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes the plant easy to propagate and particularly rewarding for anyone who enjoys unusual bulbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow Ornithogalum longibracteatum?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnusual large, partly exposed bulb\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTall spikes of white and green flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLightly fragrant blooms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong flowering season from May to August\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInteresting arching strap-like foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduces offsets readily\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent specimen for pots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for conservatories and greenhouses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy to overwinter under frost-free protection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen does Ornithogalum longibracteatum flower?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt generally flowers between May and August, with individual flower spikes opening gradually over a long period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow tall does False Sea Onion grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFlowering plants commonly reach around 60-90cm tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the spread of Ornithogalum longibracteatum?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA mature plant typically spreads around 30-45cm, depending on pot size and growing conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy is it called Pregnant Onion?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe plant often produces numerous small offsets around the parent bulb, giving rise to the unusual common name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes False Sea Onion need full sun?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBright light with some direct sun is ideal. Very intense midday heat behind glass may require a little protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow often should I water it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWater during active growth, then allow the compost to dry slightly before watering again. Avoid keeping the bulb permanently wet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ornithogalum longibracteatum hardy in the UK?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is best regarded as tender. Protect from frost and prolonged winter wet, ideally by growing in a pot that can be moved into a conservatory, greenhouse or bright frost-free room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ornithogalum longibracteatum the same as Albuca bracteata?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. \u003cem\u003eAlbuca bracteata\u003c\/em\u003e is the accepted botanical name now often used for the plant historically sold as \u003cem\u003eOrnithogalum longibracteatum\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its \u003cstrong\u003ecurious exposed bulb, arching foliage and long spikes of fragrant white-and-green flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eOrnithogalum longibracteatum\u003c\/em\u003e is a fascinating specimen plant for anyone who enjoys unusual bulbs and distinctive container plants.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jacques Amand","offers":[{"title":"1 Bulb","offer_id":62373066408323,"sku":"JA-O3010","price":13.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 Bulbs","offer_id":62373066441091,"sku":"JA-O3010x10","price":79.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0108\/3418\/2207\/files\/caudatum-e1555344461540.jpg?v=1790256598","url":"https:\/\/gardenwildlife.com\/products\/ornithogalum-longibracteatum-false-sea-onion-bulbs","provider":"Garden Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}