Flower Gardening

Summer-blooming Bulbs to Plant Now

By Jean Starr

Ornithogalum

Another tongue-twisting name for an easy-to-grow bulb, Ornithogalum (or-nih-THOG-uh -um) consists of several species. I grow and can recommend one of the many species. Currently, the U.S. has not reported it as invasive. Several years ago I told another gardener I had planted Ornithogalum. Before I could mention which one, she reprimanded me for even considering such an invasive plant. Ornithogalum umbellatum is the species she was thinking of, often popping vigorously up out of nowhere, usually in the lawn, looking pretty for about a week when it offers pretty white flowers. Some plant catalogs and websites offer this plant.

Ornithogalum magnum (giant starflower) is a species I can recommend to anyone from beginning to experienced gardeners. In mid to late May, their stems emerge like asparagus (to which it’s related) and turn into white wands with individual florets opening from the bottom up. It’s 24” – 36” tall, and I’ve never had to stake it. It makes a great cut flower, increases slowly, needing division after about four years. The only “problem” I’ve had with my Ornithogalum magnum was during a drought and roving bands of raccoons dug some of them up.

***Recommended with Caution*:***

Ornithogalum nutans (silver bells) have come and gone from my garden in a random fashion, and it’s probably because I haven’t found the right place for them. According to the John Scheepers website, it’s not very hardy (to Zone 6) and should be covered with two inches of mulch after the soil freezes. I’m not ready to give up, because these silvery flowers on sturdy, 12”-15” stems make great cut flowers and will brighten up any somewhat shady space. 3-12, silver, green and white flowers blooming alternately towards the top of 12″-15″.

*Although I’ve had trouble getting this species to grow, reports from various areas of the country state that they are invasive. If you would like to try them anyway, watch them for that tendency in your garden.