Ornithogalum

This genus of African and Eurasian bulbous plants is probably best known for the hardy little Star-of-bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) which runs riot in so many gardens. There are other hardy species, yet those of greatest interest as house plants are the larger, tender varieties. The lovely dusters of flowers have the attribute of long life-4 to 6 weeks--so are particularly satisfactory in the house.

Plant the bulbs in August or September 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart in Potting Mixture 3. Give them a rooting period in the cellar of about 8 weeks; then bring into the light for growing in a temperature of about 65 degrees. Otherwise the culture. is similar to that of Freesia. Flowers will appear from January until April in accordance with the species and size of bulbs.

Ornithogalum arabicum		spikes of fragrant white Bowers, black-spotted at the base.
Ornithogalum fergasoniae		yellow to orange.
Ornithogalum maculaturn		orange.
Ornithogalum saundersi		white, very large.
Ornithogalum splendens		orange-red.
Ornithogalum thyrsoides		this is the famous chinchcrinchce or wonder flower, so-called for its long-lived flowers. White to primrose. There is also a double form
Ornithogalum thyrsoides au-		a variant form of 0. thyrsoides reum with flowers of golden yellow.