10 BULBS - Ornithogalum thyrsoides - Plant Now for Spring Flowers - Indigenous Bulbs - NEW

If you are a flower arranger, we strongly recommend that you add this indigenous South African bulb to your short list. As a cut flower it has an incredibly long vase life of 10-14 days, hence the common name of "Wonder Flower'. Other common names include Chinchierinchee and Star-of-Bethlehem. This member of the Liliaceae family bears dense clusters of star-shaped, outward facing lightly scented white flowers top the upright stems that emerge from the lax clumps of foliage in early summer. At around the same time, the narrow, lance-shaped foliage usually starts to die back. Each stem of Ornithogalum thyrsoides can have up to 30 flowers, so when planted in large clumps, the overall effect is quite spectacular. Make sure to plant more than you need as the flowers make superb additions to a vase. These undemanding South African sweethearts are happy even in dry sites as long as they have moderate amounts of moisture during the spring.

Mulch will help keep the soil moist. Feeding with bulb food during the growing season will help to ensure flowering during this season and the next. Plant the bulbs 5 - 7cm deep outside, in a warm, sheltered spot after the worst frosts have passed, allowing 20 - 30cm between each. After flowering, bulbs can be left in the soil until next season or they can be lifted and replanted next season. If left in the soil, make sure the soil is well drained, and that bulbs do not sit in water as this can cause them to rot. If you want to lift them, do so in early to midsummer when plants start to go dormant. Cut off all foliage just above the bulb, wash them and leave to dry for a few days in a dry, shady spot. Dust them with fungicide and insecticide and store them at room temperature until they are ready to be planted next autumn. If you are going to lift them from the soil when they go dormant it is a good idea to plant them in a Bulb Planter Tray to avoid damage and loss of bulbs.