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(Ornithogalum dubium)
Sun Star (Ornithogalum dubium)
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Dornenwolf
PDM 1.0
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Dornenwolf
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PDM 1.0
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Photo by: Dornenwolf | License Type: PDM 1.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/ | Uploader: Dornenwolf | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ornithogalum dubium, commonly known as Sun Star, is a deciduous perennial bulb native to the rocky outcrops and sandy soils of the Cape Provinces of South Africa. It reaches a height of 0.7-0.8 feet and a width of 1-1 feet. The plant features clumps of lance-shaped leaves and produces vibrant star-shaped flowers in shades of yellow and orange, which bloom profusely in the spring and winter, adding a bright splash of color to gardens during these seasons.
Sun Star is valued for its striking flowers and ability to brighten up rock gardens, borders, and container plantings. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring minimal care once established. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun or part shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it needs regular watering during the growing season, it is important to reduce watering after flowering to allow the bulb to enter dormancy. Sun Star is frost-tender and should be protected from cold temperatures or lifted and stored in a dry, frost-free place during winter in colder climates. It has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional qualities as a garden plant. However, gardeners should be cautious as it is toxic if ingested and the leaves may cause irritation upon contact.CC BY-SA 4.0
Sun Star is valued for its striking flowers and ability to brighten up rock gardens, borders, and container plantings. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring minimal care once established. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun or part shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it needs regular watering during the growing season, it is important to reduce watering after flowering to allow the bulb to enter dormancy. Sun Star is frost-tender and should be protected from cold temperatures or lifted and stored in a dry, frost-free place during winter in colder climates. It has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional qualities as a garden plant. However, gardeners should be cautious as it is toxic if ingested and the leaves may cause irritation upon contact.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Height: 0.7-0.8 feet
- Width: 1-1.3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow, Orange
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Rocky outcrops and sandy soils in the Cape Provinces of South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Star Of Bethlehem, Yellow Chincherinchee, Orange Stjärnlök
Scientific Names: , Ornithogalum dubium, Eliokarmos dubius, Ornithogalum citrinum, Ornithogalum aureum, Ornithogalum miniatum, Ornithogalum flavescens, Aspasia aurea, Myogalum flavescens, Ornithogalum alticola
GBIF Accepted Name: Ornithogalum dubium Houtt.