Star of Bethlehem Bulbs (Ornithogalum umbellatum) – Naturalising, Peat-Free, Wildlife-Friendly

Description

With crisp white petals arranged in perfect six-pointed stars, Star of Bethlehem adds a soft gleam to spring gardens. Its blooms open in sunlight and close in shade or at night, creating a daily rhythm of light and rest among your planting.

This graceful, low-growing perennial is part of the asparagus family and has naturalised widely across the UK, particularly in older churchyards, meadows, and woodland edges. Though not strictly a UK native, its long-standing presence and gentle nature make it a fitting addition to naturalistic gardens and wildlife areas.

Flowering in April to May, Ornithogalum umbellatum thrives best in well-drained soil with sun or dappled shade, often disappearing after flowering to rest underground – a true spring ephemeron. Its leaves are narrow with a pale central stripe, and the blooms attract early insects and pollinators looking for nectar after winter.

Our bulbs are grown without peat, pesticides or synthetic fertilisers – just clean, regenerative cultivation in line with wildlife gardening values.

Joel says:

“These really are like tiny stars in the grass – perfect for softening edges, filling between trees, or dotting through longer lawns. They don’t take over but they do quietly settle in if you let them.”