Is this plant invasive?

Yes, it can be quite aggressive and difficult to remove once established in a garden.

When should I plant the bulbs?

Plant them in the autumn to allow for root development before the spring growth cycle.

Plant guide

Garden star of Bethlehem.

Ornithogalum umbellatum

Pronounced or-ni-THOG-uh-lum um-bel-LAY-tum

Also known as Garden Star-of-Bethlehem, Nap-at-noon

common star-of-Bethlehem — Photo by Gavin Slater (CC BY) via iNaturalist

This charming bulbous perennial brings a cheerful touch to your garden with its starry white flowers. It is a hardy plant that naturalizes well in lawns or woodland settings. You will love how it wakes up your landscape in the spring.

Another photo of Garden star of Bethlehem — Photo by Pete Bradshaw (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Bulbous perennial
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 12 inches
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 9
Bloom time: Mid to late spring

Care

Plant these bulbs in well draining soil during the autumn months. Watch for yellowing leaves as the plant goes dormant, which is a normal part of its cycle. Ensure the area does not stay waterlogged to prevent bulb rot.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the active growing season but allow it to dry out once the foliage dies back.
Feeding: Apply a balanced bulb fertilizer once in early spring as new growth emerges.
Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks after blooming, but leave the foliage until it turns yellow and dies back naturally.
Repotting: Divide overcrowded clumps every few years during the dormant season to maintain plant vigor.
Soil: Well draining sandy or loamy soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -20 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically persists for many years.
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Noticeable decline in flowering density.

Safety

People: The plant contains alkaloids that can cause significant digestive distress and skin irritation upon contact.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant away from children as the bulbs are toxic if eaten and the sap can irritate skin.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may trigger mild allergic reactions in some people.
Edibility: All parts of this plant are considered toxic if ingested and should not be consumed.

How to identify it

Star shaped white flowers
Green stripe on petal backs
Narrow grass like foliage
White central flower stripe

Height: 0.15 to 0.3m
Spread: 0.05 to 0.1m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: white, green, 2 to 3cm

Problems to watch for

Bulb rot · Fungal infection caused by overly wet soil conditions.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: autumn
Overwintering: The bulbs are hardy and do not require special protection in most climates. Just ensure the soil is well drained so they do not sit in freezing water.
In containers: It grows well in containers, but ensure the pot has excellent drainage to prevent bulb rot.

Bulb Division

1. Dig up the clump after the foliage has died back in late spring.
2. Gently separate the small offsets from the main bulb.
3. Replant the offsets immediately in a sunny location.

Plant these in areas where you do not mind them spreading, as they are very difficult to contain.

Grows well with

Grape Hyacinth · They share similar spring blooming times and cultural needs.
Daffodil · These bulbs provide a nice height contrast in spring beds.

Similar species

Drooping Star of Bethlehem · It has a similar appearance but with nodding flower spikes.

Science

Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Ornithogalum
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Mediterranean region and parts of Europe.
Conservation: It is considered an invasive weed in some regions of North America, so check local regulations before planting.

It thrives in open fields and meadows where it can compete for light during the early spring before taller grasses emerge.

Value to wildlife: early nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: rock gardens, naturalizing, spring borders

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is this plant invasive?: Yes, it can be quite aggressive and difficult to remove once established in a garden.
When should I plant the bulbs?: Plant them in the autumn to allow for root development before the spring growth cycle.

Where the name comes from

The name Ornithogalum comes from the Greek words for bird and milk, while umbellatum refers to the umbel like cluster of flowers.

Good to know

The flowers close up tightly during cloudy weather or at night.
It spreads rapidly through underground offsets.
The name Star of Bethlehem refers to the star shaped white flowers.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.