← Plant Guides

How to Grow Star of Bethlehem 'White'

Star of Bethlehem 'White'

Ornithogalum dubium 'White'

flower

Ornithogalum dubium 'White' is a tender bulbous perennial producing delicate, star-shaped white flowers clustered atop slender stems. Native to South Africa, this ornamental bulb is prized for its elegant appearance and long vase life, making it popular in cut flower arrangements and container gardens.

When should you plant Star of Bethlehem 'White' in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my Star of Bethlehem 'White' timeline →

Example Star of Bethlehem 'White' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Star of Bethlehem 'White'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Star of Bethlehem 'White' blooms

    Around Jun 16

    ≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Star of Bethlehem 'White' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily for optimal flowering
💧
Water: Moderate watering during growth; allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce water during dormancy. Avoid waterlogging.
📏
Spacing: 4 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 60-90 days from planting to flowering
🌱
Planting depth: 2-3 inches; bulb top should be just below soil surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy loam or bulb mix
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Perlite or sand for drainage Compost for organic matter Bone meal at planting

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 9b-11; grown as container plant or annual in cooler regions

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Sign up free to see if Star of Bethlehem 'White' grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.

Get my Star of Bethlehem 'White' timeline →

Growth Stages

1

Bulb Dormancy & Planting

Varies; plant when dormant

Bulbs are firm, papery-skinned, and ready for planting in fall or early winter

Store bulbs in cool, dry conditions until planting. Inspect for soft spots or mold. Plant in well-draining soil mix.

2

Sprouting & Root Development

2-3 weeks

Green shoots emerge from the soil and fine roots develop below

Keep soil lightly moist. Provide cool temperatures (50-60°F) initially. Ensure good drainage to prevent rot.

3

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Slender, strap-like green foliage develops; plant builds energy reserves

Maintain moderate moisture. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Provide full sun. Increase watering as growth accelerates.

4

Flowering

2-4 weeks

Tall stems (12-18 inches) produce clusters of pristine white, star-shaped flowers opening progressively from bottom to top

Support tall stems with stakes if needed. Continue regular watering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage longer blooming. Protect from heavy wind.

5

Post-Bloom & Dormancy

4-6 weeks

Flowers fade; foliage remains green briefly before yellowing. Bulb enters dormancy.

Reduce watering gradually. Allow foliage to die back naturally; this feeds the bulb. Stop fertilizing. Store bulbs dry and cool for replanting next season.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Freesia Ixia Sparaxis Agapanthus Calendula Salvia

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Dill Garlic Onions

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity, spray foliage with water, use neem oil or miticide if severe

  • Remove affected flowers, use insecticidal soap or spinosad, improve air circulation

  • Ensure excellent drainage, avoid overwatering, remove affected bulbs, treat remaining bulbs with fungicide

  • Isolate affected plants, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, inspect regularly

Uses

🍳

Non-toxic ornamental display

Culinary

While not edible, the white flowers are completely non-toxic and safe to display in homes with children and pets, making them ideal for fresh arrangements. [source]

🏠

Cut flower arranging

Household

Star of Bethlehem is highly prized by florists for its elegant white star-shaped flowers, long vase life, and architectural value in wedding bouquets and formal arrangements. [source]

🎨

Dried flower crafts

Craft

Flowers dry beautifully while retaining their white color and delicate star shape, making them excellent for dried arrangements, wreaths, and pressed flower crafts. [source]

🦋

Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

The open star flowers attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to garden biodiversity while providing food sources during spring blooming. [source]

Harvest Tips

Cut stems in early morning when flowers are fully open but fresh. Cut at soil level or just above it. Stems last 7-10 days in a vase with fresh water and floral preservative. Remove lower foliage from cut stems to extend vase life.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Ornithogalum dubium gets its name from the Greek words 'ornithogalum' (bird's milk) — legend says these star flowers are the milk of birds crystallized into flowers.
  • 🌱 In cool climates, these South African bulbs are often treated as annuals or grown in containers brought indoors during winter, yet they remain one of the most reliable and long-lasting cut flowers available commercially.
  • 🌱 The flowers open in a characteristic starry pattern and will naturally face the sun throughout the day (heliotropic movement), creating a dynamic display even in a vase.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Perennial
Shop Star of Bethlehem 'White' plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Star of Bethlehem 'White' planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Star of Bethlehem 'White' seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Star of Bethlehem 'White' timeline →