Ornithogalum arabicuim
Sitting high atop a long, leafless stem, the umbrella like cluster of small, waxy white flowers of the Ornithogalum arabicuim or Star of Bethlehem as it is more commonly known, are exotic to be sure. But are they pretty? The jury is out and I can't decide.
I have grown Star of Bethlehem in my garden, but the flowers photographed here, I purchased at the very last Farmers Market of the season.
Here they are growing in the field at Butt's Berry & Flower Farm near Rockwood Ontario.
The tight cluster of unopened flowers.
These Star of Bethlehem flowers were grown from large bulbs that resemble celery root in size and appearance. Not hardy here in Southern Ontario, they must be lifted from the garden and stored overwinter.
Florists love them because they make good, long-lived cut flowers. What do you think? Is it pretty enough to grow in your garden?
