Ornithogalum thyrsoides

Common Names

Chincherinchee, Star of Bethlehem, Wonder Flower, Tjienkerientjee, Chinkerinchee

Summary

Cape chincherinchee is a bulbous perennial native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa, with basal strap-shaped leaves and tall, leafless flower stalks topped by dense racemes of white star-shaped flowers with green centers; the inflorescences are phototropic, bending toward light, and plants typically reach 30–60 cm in height with long-lasting blooms in spring to early summer.

In cultivation it prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, with regular watering during the growing season and summer dormancy with dry conditions; propagation is by offsets or seed, bulbs planted about 6–8 cm deep and roughly 15 cm apart; hardiness zones 6–10; suitable for mass plantings, containers, and borders, and cut flowers with a vase life of about 10–14 days; all parts are poisonous if ingested.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-24 inches

Spread

4-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun or partial shade.

Soil Type

Loamy, well-drained soil, neutral to slightly acidic

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

Neutral to slightly acidic

Bloom Color

White to creamy-white, with ivory and occasional pale yellow tones.

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast-growing; reaches ultimate height in ~2 years

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Bulb-based vegetative propagation (bulbils along the roots, bulblets/offsets)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, birds