L`Ornithogalum it`s a bulbous herbaceous spring flower easy to grow. It is an ornamental plant grown in pots on balconies, terraces and in the open ground in the garden to create flower beds with bright splashes of color thanks to its splendid yellow or orange flowers that open on stems that reach 30cm in height and are the real strength. Rich and colorful inflorescences carrying elegant delicate stars, the leaves are deep green and arranged in a rosette. It is one of the African species and does not tolerate long periods of intense cold.

THE flowers of the Star of Bethlehem they bloom in late spring, generally between the months of May and June, but some varieties begin to bloom as early as the end of March. Long stems develop from the Ornitogallo bulb, accompanied by lanceolate leaves that can vary slightly in shape from species to species.

The ornithogallo like all bulbous plants loves being in sunny environments or semi-shady and hates windy areas.

CARE

You can grow it in pots, choose a medium-sized one and add soil, peat and sand. The best location for growing Ornithogallo is in full sun.

During the flowering period or shortly before, feed her every two weeks with a liquid fertilizer, always remembering that an excess of fertilizer could cause the loss of leaves or the lack of flowering, so it is good do not overdo it.

Always keep the moist soil especially in spring during flowering: in this period, the Ornithogallo cannot resist the Drought, water it at least every ten days or even more frequently if the plant is fully exposed to the sun. During the winter, watering must be much less frequent, and you can also suspend it for a short time, in periods of greater cold. You don`t need a real one pruning of the Star of Bethlehem although it is important to remove dried leaves and flowers. It is vital to create one drainage layer on the bottom. The repotting it must be done about every 3 years, choosing a larger container of at least 5cm.

CURIOSITY`

The common name Star of Bethlehem refers directly to the shape of the flowers: a beautiful six-pointed star and it is a symbol of reconciliation.