Flower Library
Star of Bethlehem
Ornithogalum · Spargelgewächse (Asparagaceae)
Star of Bethlehem is one of the most rewarding cut flowers of all: upright stems, star-shaped blooms and a longevity that is hard to beat. Its German nickname literally means gardener's despair, because it simply refuses to wilt in the vase. With our A1-grade stems sourced at the Veiling Rhein-Maas, customers regularly enjoy three full weeks from a single stem.
- Season
- April – May – June – July – August – September – October
- Vase life
- 14–21 days
- Latin name
- Ornithogalum
- Colors
- Pure white, Cream, Orange, Yellow, Apricot
A handful of species dominate the trade. Ornithogalum saundersiae produces tall, sturdy stems topped with large white flower heads and a striking dark ovary at each centre that looks almost like a set bead. Ornithogalum dubium delivers the vivid orange and yellow tones, while Ornithogalum arabicum charms with its near-black flower eye and a gentle scent. Ornithogalum thyrsoides, the chincherinchee, is the classic creamy-white form with dense, conical spikes.
Florists use Star of Bethlehem in modern, graphic bouquets as well as in lavish arrangements. The long, straight stems are ideal for tall vases and linear designs. Because the heads open from the bottom upwards, a bouquet stays fresh for many days and changes gradually rather than fading all at once. That makes it a perfect flower for occasions where the decoration needs to last a whole week.
The key quality marker is stem firmness and the share of already-open flowers. Good stock shows a few open stars plus many plump, faintly coloured buds that reliably continue to open. Limp stems or yellowing buds signal old stock or drought stress after a long journey. This is exactly where buying directly at the auction pays off: without middlemen, the flowers arrive fresher and with far more reserve still in bud.
Stylistically, Star of Bethlehem suits clean, bright compositions just as well as high-contrast summer bouquets. The white varieties feel elegant and understated and pair with almost any colour, while orange Ornithogalum dubium adds sunny, fresh accents. The fine structure of the individual florets brings lightness to dense arrangements, creating a starry, almost floating impression.
Care
- 01Cut the stems at an angle and place them in clean, lukewarm water; strip all foliage below the waterline before arranging.
- 02Use fresh flower food and change the water every two to three days, trimming the stem ends by one to two centimetres each time.
- 03Star of Bethlehem is sensitive to ethylene: keep it away from fruit, vegetables and fading flowers, otherwise the buds age prematurely.
- 04Display it in a bright spot out of direct sun, away from radiators and draughts, so the buds open slowly and fully.
- 05Pick spent individual stars from the head; this keeps the bouquet tidy and lets the upper buds show to better effect.
Frequently asked
- How long does Star of Bethlehem last in the vase?
- Star of Bethlehem is among the longest-lasting cut flowers and, with good care, frequently keeps for two to three weeks. With a fresh cut, regular water changes and distance from fruit, our customers reliably reach the upper end of that range with A1-grade stems.
- Is Star of Bethlehem toxic to pets and children?
- Yes. All parts, especially the bulb, are toxic. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in larger amounts, cardiac arrhythmia, while the sap can irritate skin and mucous membranes. Keep the bouquet out of reach of cats, dogs and small children.
- When is Star of Bethlehem in season?
- As a cut flower, Ornithogalum is most readily available from late spring through autumn, peaking in the summer months. Orange varieties such as Ornithogalum dubium can appear earlier, as they are also grown under glass.
- Why do some buds fail to open?
- Usually it comes down to ethylene or drought stress. Keep the flowers away from fruit, recut the stems and use flower food. In a cool spot the upper buds open more slowly, but they normally catch up.