Ornithogalum Umbellatum

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asparagaceae

Order

Asparagales

Genus

Ornithogalum

Species

umbellatum

Description

Bulbous plant with conspicuous spring-summer flowering of an intense orange colour, very prolonged.
Each plant produces two, sometimes three, inflorescences.
There are also cultivars with yellow and white flowers on the market.
The inflorescence can also be used as a cut flower.

Curiosities and special features

The name of the botanical genus derives from the Greek 'ornis' meaning bird and 'gala' meaning milk in reference to the presence of a whitish latex in the stems, while the specific epithet refers to the umbelliform inflorescence.

Origin and distribution

A species native to Europe where it grows in the temperate biome, with a Euro-Mediterranean distribution.

Leaf

The leaves have an elongated lamina with a longitudinal white midrib.

Leaf colour

It features solid green leaves.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.2 to 0.3 m, ideal for planters and pots.

Lifespan

Biennial deciduous bulbous herb.

Where to plant

Due to the size achieved and the elegance of the blooms, we recommend their use for planters, indoor tubs.

Stem

It has herbaceous stems; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple shape, small size and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in umbrella-like inflorescences. It flowers from early spring to summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Plant with compact and uniform growth.

Plant habit

It develops an upright habit visually reinforced by the flower stems.

PH

It requires a slightly acidic substrate pH between 5.8 and 6.5.

Sun exposure

Requires exposure in half-shade. Does not tolerate direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day.

Ideal climate and temperature

Suitable for a cool but not harsh climate. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 22 °C during the vegetative period. It can be placed in pots inside houses or offices as well as outdoors but at temperatures not below 5 °C.

Use

Appreciated for its flowering in:
Outdoor ornamental Indoor ornamental

Hardiness

Medium-low rusticity.

Soil

Use a professional quality, peaty and very well draining substrate.

Difficulty

It is fairly easy to grow if the correct cultivation conditions are guaranteed.

Growing tips

Some specific tips to achieve optimum vegetative development and a lush flowering:
Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Always keep the substrate moist Prefers cool climate

Propagation

Multiplication is by bulb.

Watering

Use water with low salinity to be added directly to the substrate and keep it slightly moist. Water stress and too much light cause leaf yellowing.

Pay attention to the quality of the irrigation water as too much salinity can lead to discolouration of the foliage.

Fertilising

It fears over-fertilisation, especially in conjunction with water stress. During the vegetative period, apply a specific, balanced fertiliser to the substrate, which should be diluted in the irrigation water without exceeding the dose and frequency. It is recommended not to use phosphorus fertiliser as Ornithogallo is sensitive to floride.

Pet safety

Toxic

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

Toxic.

Tip

The Ornithogallo despite having a bulb is a plant that likes good watering and moisture on the pot. It does not tolerate direct sunlight during the hot hours of the day. When used as a cut flower, the duration of the inflorescence can last several weeks.