
Flower Bulb of the Star of Bethlehem
The bulb belongs to the winter lily family. The bulb of the Star of Bethlehem can turn into a nuisance if you allow it to run wild in your garden. It is native to the Mediterranean region. These flowers are thumb sized, white, and naked. They grow by sending tufts of green leaves on winter. You will find each of the bright grass-like leaf is marked with a white line down the midrib. The large flower bulbs can produce many offsets. Therefore, the foliage clumps may be about 6 inches across. These resemble garlic clumps, but can be easily differentiated as they produce no odor on crushing. Also, the garlic foliage grows straight up and Star of Bethlehem has arching leaves. The leaves of this plant die with the arrival of summer and the bulbs go dormant.
You will see flowers bloom in late April or in early May. The plants shoot up a 10-inch long multi-flowered spike. Each spike bears about 12 to 30 six petaled star like bloom. If you look at the backside of the petals, you will find a broad band of green. These flowers open in the morning and close every evening.
Care of Star of Bethlehem
You can grow Star of Bethlehem in full sun or partial shade. If you grow the plant in an area that is too shady, the plant may produce fewer flowers and grow at a slower pace. You should water the plant regularly and avoid over watering. This is a low maintenance plant that needs a well-drained soil to grow. You need to divide the flower bulbs for propagation. The plants should be kept about 5 to 6 inches apart while growing. The flowers are good for container gardening as well as flower gardens.