Pyrenean Star of Bethlehem, Bath Asparagus
ornithogalum pyrenaicum
Also known as: ["Prussian asparagus","spike milkwort"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial with grass-like leaves and spikes of star-shaped white flowers, native to the Pyrenees and other parts of Europe.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","edible fruits"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Genus: | Ornithogalum |
| Botanical Name: | Ornithogalum pyrenaicum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or containers in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed after flowering or when leaves turn yellow.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning only.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light to avoid scorching. Indoors, place near an east or west-facing window; outdoors, provide dappled shade in midday.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct sun; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; adjust based on season and growth stage.
Soil
well-drained, fertile, sandy loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid waterlogged soil; use a mix with good aeration; test pH if issues arise.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged exposure below 28°F (-2°C).
Avoid placing near drafty windows or heat vents; maintain consistent temperatures; adjust care based on seasonal shifts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop feeding when plant enters dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs or offsets in spring or early fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Carefully separate offsets from the mother bulb.
- Plant at the same depth as the parent.
- Water gently and place in a shaded area.
Best Time: Spring after flowering or early fall before dormancy begins.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand.
Hormone
Not required for bulb division.
Timeline
Offsets establish quickly within 1–2 growing seasons; bulbs may flower in the second year.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Divide bulbs when they become crowded; ensure each offset has roots or a small bulb base; avoid damaging the parent plant.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; trim yellow leaves close to the bulb without damaging healthy tissue.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flower stalks and yellowing leaves to maintain tidiness.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune only dead or spent parts; avoid cutting into the bulb itself.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins or late fall after flowering.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant, shake off old soil, inspect roots, plant in fresh well-draining mix, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become crowded. Best when the plant is dormant or just entering growth phase.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; ensure proper drainage; handle bulbs gently; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning or late evening; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage. Water until it drains from the bottom, then discard excess to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth (spring-summer), reducing frequency in fall-winter. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Mix perlite or coarse sand into heavy soils; add compost for organic matter; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf burn in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause root damage if soil freezes.
Solution: Insulate pots with bubble wrap in winter; move containers indoors or to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide shade during peak sun; increase humidity with misting; water early in the day to reduce evaporation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during active growth; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicOrnithogalum pyrenaicum is toxic to cats, containing cardiac glycosides that can lead to severe cardiac and gastrointestinal distress when ingested.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe plant is toxic to dogs due to the presence of cardiac glycosides, which can disrupt cardiac function and cause severe systemic effects upon ingestion.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicOrnithogalum pyrenaicum contains toxic compounds, including cardiac glycosides, which can cause significant physiological effects when ingested. These compounds interfere with cardiac function and can lead to severe health issues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ornithogalum pyrenaicum edible?
A: Yes, the young stems and flower buds are edible and can be used as a substitute for asparagus.
Q: How often should I water Ornithogalum pyrenaicum?
A: Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Ornithogalum pyrenaicum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees and butterflies with its star-shaped flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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