Ornithogalum narbonense, also known as the Narbonne star of Bethlehem or the Mediterranean star of Bethlehem, is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region of Europe. It belongs to the family Asparagaceae and is a member of the genus Ornithogalum, which contains about 150 species of flowering plants.
Ornithogalum Narbonense Characteristics
Ornithogalum narbonense is a bulbous plant with long, thin leaves that emerge from the ground in the early spring. The plant produces clusters of small, white, star-shaped flowers on tall, slender stems. The flowers are fragrant and typically bloom in the late spring or early summer.
Ornithogalum narbonense is a popular garden plant and is often grown as a sprout in pots or containers. It is well suited to a variety of soil types and is relatively easy to grow. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8–10 and is drought-tolerant once established. The plant is toxic if ingested, so it should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Table of Contents
Ornithogalum narbonense is an herbaceous, bulbous plant that grows to a height of about 20–30 cm (8–12 inches). It has thin, grass-like leaves that emerge from the ground in the early spring and grow to a length of about 20–30 cm (8–12 inches). The leaves are narrow and linear in shape, with a pointed tip and a wavy margin.
The plant produces clusters of small, white, star-shaped flowers on tall, slender stems. The flowers are fragrant and have six petals arranged in a circular pattern. They are typically about 3 cm (1 inch) in diameter and bloom in the late spring or early summer.
Ornithogalum Narbonense Taxonomy (breed)
Ornithogalum narbonense is classified in the plant kingdom (Kingdom Plantae) and belongs to the monocotyledons, a group of flowering plants characterized by having one cotyledon (seed leaf) in their seeds. Within the monocotyledons, it belongs to the family Asparagaceae and the genus Ornithogalum.
Here is the full taxonomic classification of Ornithogalum narbonense:
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Subkingdom: Tracheobionta
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Liliopsida
- Subclass: Liliidae
- Order: Asparagales
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Genus: Ornithogalum
- Species: Ornithogalum narbonense
- Common name: Narbonne star of Bethlehem, Mediterranean star of Bethlehem
Ornithogalum Narbonense Cultivation
Ornithogalum narbonense is a popular garden plant that is relatively easy to grow. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8–10 and is well suited to a variety of soil types. Here are some tips for cultivating Ornithogalum narbonense:
- Planting: Ornithogalum narbonense can be grown from bulbs, which should be planted in the fall, about 4-6 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. The bulbs should be planted in a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Watering: Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to bulb rot.
- Sunlight: Ornithogalum narbonense prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize the plants once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to encourage strong growth and flowering.
- Pest control: Ornithogalum narbonense is generally resistant to pests, but it can be prone to infestations of aphids and thrips. Use organic pesticides or insecticidal soap to control these pests if necessary.
- Propagation: Ornithogalum narbonense can be propagated by dividing the bulbs in the fall or by planting offsets (small bulblets that form around the base of the parent bulb).
- Winter care: In areas with cold winters, it is important to protect the bulbs from frost by mulching the soil with a layer of straw or other organic material. In very cold climates, the bulbs may need to be dug up and stored in a cool, dry place until the spring.
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