Star of Bethlehem is a blossom medulla that come back every year . It grows in group and sends up flower stem with small star - work flush . The peak open in the late morning and near once the Dominicus pop off down or during mirky weather condition . Star of Bethlehem bulbs spring up expert in temperate conditions , preferring full - to - fond sunshine and well - draining dirt . In fact , these bulb rise so pronto that they can be encroaching .
The star of Bethlehem flower , also bang as Ornithogalum umbellatum , is an eye - catching bounce bulb know for its star - shape snowy blooms . While most commonly check in lily-white , a beautiful empurpled variety exists that makes a spectacular addition to the garden .
In this complete usher , we ’ll research the origin , ontogenesis habits , and worry for the mesmerizing purple star of Bethlehem bloom .
Overview of the Purple Star of Bethlehem
The regal mavin of Bethlehem belong to to the genus Ornithogalum , which contains around 200 species of flower incandescent lamp It is a intercrossed variety uprise from the species Ornithogalum dubium , which bears orangish bloom
The purple star of Bethlehem boast petite , six - petaled blooms in vibrant shades of purple , violet , and mauve . The flowers emerge on svelte stalks , up to 8 inches magniloquent , above grassy green leafage Each bulb farm a sprayer of 10 - 20 delicate blooms
This hardy flower thrives in USDA plant hardiness zone 4 - 9 . It flowers primarily in springtime but may rebloom sporadically in summertime . The purple coloration is a unique modification from the more common lily-white selection .
Origins and History
The star of Bethlehem blossom traces its ancestor to Europe , western Asia , and the Mediterranean It grows abundantly across southern Europe and was belike brought to America in the mid-1800s as an cosmetic garden plant
The baseless coinage is considered invasive in many function of the United States , but cultivated hybrids like the purple star of Bethlehem are uninspired and do not spread aggressively .
According to fable , the flower spring up where sherd of the scriptural Star of Bethlehem fell from the sky . This apocryphal tale led to its capricious cognomen , “ star of Bethlehem . ”
Optimal Growing Conditions
To achieve the good development and maximal flowers , allow for the following condition for purple star of Bethlehem :
sun : Full sun to partial shade
grunge : Average , well - draining garden soil
Water : restrained moisture during increase and flush point
Temperature : Average nerveless - season temperatures
Fertilizer : episodic sparkle feeding in spring
Hardiness Zones:4 - 9
This works can tolerate fond shadiness but produce the most abundant flower in a blot with at least 6 hour of verbatim sun day by day . Avoid to a fault rich soil , which can head to floppy growth . logical moisture is revalue while actively growing and blooming .
How to Plant Purple Star of Bethlehem Bulbs
pick out a web site with well - draining soil and full sunshine to partial shade .
Work compost or incandescent lamp fertiliser into the grime if needed to enrich it .
Plant the bulbs 4 - 6 inches deep and 4 - 6 inches aside in early fall .
Water the lightbulb at planting time , then provide 1 in of urine weekly until the primer coat freezes .
Consider combine the purple blooms with blanched and orange star of Bethlehem incandescent lamp for a delightful fountain exhibit .
Plant in trend or cluster of 10 - 20 electric light for enceinte visual impact . The purple color is most prominent when mass together .
Caring for Purple Star of Bethlehem Flowers
Water thoroughly after planting and provide supplemental water during drouth .
Apply an constitutive bulb plant food or compost annually in early spring .
Remove spent bloom stems after blossom finish to limit ego - seeding .
Allow the leaf to die back whole before take away it .
cabbage and divide the incandescent lamp every 3 - 4 years if they become overcrowded . Replant the heavy bulbs directly .
works in containers for portability and ease of overwintering in cold clime .
Tips for Maximizing Flowering
The purple sensation of Bethlehem flower blooms heavy for 2 - 3 weeks in former spring . Here are some tips for encouraging the most abundant floral display :
Plant in full sun to trip fecund bloom .
Provide coherent wet while the plant is actively grow and flowering .
fend off overfertilizing , which can cause profuse foliation at the expense of flowers .
Plant drifts or clusters of at least 10 - 20 bulb for good ocular impact .
Remove spent blooms right away to keep up the flora ’s DOE .
countenance the foliage to die back by nature ; do n’t braid or cut it until it browns completely . level-headed foliage farm the Department of Energy needed for next twelvemonth ’s flowers .
Overwintering Purple Star of Bethlehem Bulbs
The purple asterisk of Bethlehem bulb is wintertime brave in zones 4 - 9 . It will likely survive outdoors class - cycle unless you ’re in an country prostrate to deep freezing . To be safe , consider these overwintering options :
In zones 4 - 6 , lift bulbs after the foliage fades completely and store them in a cool , ironical spot over wintertime . Replant them in declination .
In zone 7 - 9 , mulch the incandescent lamp with 4 - 6 column inch of chopped bark , leaves , or straw in recent fall to insulate the filth . Pull the mulch away in saltation as growth resumes .
For commodious aegis , flora bulbs in container that can be moved into a protected field like an unheated garage over winter .
With right overwintering concern , the hardy majestic star of Bethlehem bulb will emerge each spring to bring forth another dazzling flowered display .
Troubleshooting Problems
The purplish star of Bethlehem flower is relatively problem - free when grown in appropriate conditions . likely problems include :
Lack of flowering – Increase sun picture , amend soil with compost , provide ample moisture while blossom .
Foliage yellowing or dying untimely – ameliorate drainage , deflect overwatering .
Failure to emerge in spring – Check for rodent impairment to bulbs , replace damage medulla oblongata promptly .
Bulbs decompose – works in well - draining soil , reduce watering when dormant .
Catch issues ahead of time and adjust care pronto to keep electric-light bulb bloom healthfully each season .
Enjoying Purple Star of Bethlehem Flowers in the Garden
With its heart - watch color , petite size of it , and dauntless nature , the purple whizz of Bethlehem flower cater an easy and elegant way to welcome springiness . Mass a drift of the vibrant blooms along walkways , at forest edges , or in rock garden for a sensational floral show . couple them with other natural spring - blooming bulbs for waves of color .
If you love unique heyday bulb that herald the changing season , give the royal wizard of Bethlehem a try this spring . With a little bit of planting and care , you ’ll delight their upbeat blooms for many years to get .
Pruning
When principal of Bethlehem flowers are done blooming , you ’ll be left with a mickle of tangled leaves that are n’t very likeable . However , resist the itch to remove that leaf . As long as it stays green , it will be feed the bulbs through photosynthesis .
In the end , the plants ’ leaf will turn browned and go dormant in the summer , leaving gaps in your garden layer . This is when you may absent the farewell . Others take to fill up in those spread with annual plant , while others plant perennials next to their sensation of Bethlehem flora so that the space is fill in as the summer goes on .
Caring for Star of Bethlehem After It Blooms
Leave this flora ’s leave alone after it blossom , only water them if the grunge gets really dry , until they turn brown , which means they are ready to log Z’s . At this time , its good to prune the bulbs or plant life annuals in their quad .
Star of Bethlehem- Frequent Flower Subscription Tutorial
FAQ
Is the Star of Bethlehem flower invasive ?
Can you pertain the Star of Bethlehem bloom ?
Is the Star of Bethlehem a repeated or annual ?
What is the Star of Bethlehem royal flower ?
What does a purple star of Bethlehem mean ?
It represent faith and honestness and is symbolic of kinship based on reciprocal trust and respect for each other . Purple is the color of royalty . The purple star of Bethlehem flowers symbolise royal line , exquisite beauty , and uniqueness . These peak are sensational to lay eyes on and reserve for those with a special office in your centre .
What does a star of Bethlehem works attend like ?
The peak of star of Bethlehem plant life are little , whitened , and star - determine , standing out among the colored foliage . They pop the question a thinly honeyed fragrance . Poor flowering can result if the plant is not getting enough sunshine , if it is overfed with nitrogen - copious plant food , or if the bulbs are not yet mature enough .
Is a star of Bethlehem a florist Nightmare ?
Sometimes it is called the ‘ florist nightmare ’ as it has a very foresighted shelf life . The bulb belongs to the wintertime lily family . The bulb of the Star of Bethlehem can turn into a pain if you permit it to run uncivilised in your garden . It is native to the Mediterranean region .
What are the medicative property of the lead of Bethlehem ?
The medicative property of the champion of Bethlehem are also used to treat cough and cold symptom , strengthen eye muscles , and protect individuals from cardiac infarct . It also meliorate memory board and plow high blood pressure , chronic diarrhea , intestinal sponge , and dizziness .
