Ornithogalum nutans Silver Bells - The Drooping Star of Bethlehem: Elegant Shade-Loving Blooms (Pre-Order for Fall Planting)
Add a touch of elegance to your shaded garden areas with Ornithogalum nutans Silver Bells, commonly known as The Drooping Star of Bethlehem. This fragrant, deer- and rodent-resistant naturalizer produces stunning flowering spikes adorned with 3 to 12 reflexed, tubular flowers in a very pale greenish-white hue. The silvery-white petal margins, darker green reverses, and a center nub of sheathed, short silver anthers make these blooms truly unique. Perfect for mass planting, especially in heirloom-restored woodlands, as seen at the famous Keukenhof gardens in the Netherlands.
Why Choose Ornithogalum nutans Silver Bells?
- Shade-Loving Beauty: Ideal for dappled sunlight to part shade, Silver Bells thrives in areas where many other plants struggle, adding beauty to the often-overlooked shaded parts of your garden.
- Unique Blooming Pattern: The flowers, which open from the bottom up, give the appearance of a thick cigar-stub of buds at the stem's tip—a delightful and unusual feature.
- Prolific Naturalizer: Over time, when planted in a happy environment, Ornithogalum nutans Silver Bells can naturalize through bulb offsets (bulbils) and occasionally self-sowing seeds, creating a lush, widespread display.
- Historic and Heirloom Appeal: This variety’s ability to naturalize and its use in historic gardens like the Keukenhof make it a valuable addition to any heirloom garden.
- Cut Flower Potential: Silver Bells also makes a charming addition to cut flower arrangements, bringing its delicate fragrance and subtle beauty indoors.
Planting Information:
- Bulb Size: 6 cm/up
- Bloom Time: May (in horticultural zone 5)
- Height: Grows to a height of 12"
- Sunlight: Thrives in dappled sunlight to part shade
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-draining soil
- Planting Depth: Plant bulbs 4” to 6” deep and 4” to 6” apart
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for zones 6-9
- Mulching Tip: Apply a 2" layer of mulch after the ground freezes to protect from winter temperature fluctuations, especially in areas with inconsistent snow coverage.
- Planting Density: About nine bulbs per square foot
Pre-Order Information: Ensure your garden is enhanced with the graceful, shade-loving blooms of Ornithogalum nutans Silver Bells. Pre-order now to receive your bulbs in time for fall planting.
Bring the historic charm and delicate beauty of The Drooping Star of Bethlehem to your garden. This heirloom variety’s fragrant, tubular blooms and ability to naturalize make it a standout choice for shaded and woodland areas.
Testimonials
My seedlings in a box were perfect. So sorry that most of your products are now sold out. Will definitely purchase again from this seller.
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From our Farm to Yours
Matt's Patch offers a carefully curated selection of plants, seeds, seedlings, and produce. Our focus is on providing good food and easy-to-grow vegetable and flower varieties for both novice and experienced gardeners.
If we sell it - we've grown it - and this allows us to offer variety specific growing advice and cut plants from our selection that don't meet our standards. Check out the Garden Graveyard for a list of varieties we no longer offer.
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