Ornithogalum Ornithogalum thyrsoides

The African Wonder Flower is a bushy, flowering, herbaceous perennial, grown from a bulb, in the asparagus family and native to the Cape Province of South Africa. The plant's basal leaves are narrow and strap-like, with a light green midrib. The flowers appear in a cluster at the top of a naked stem. They are white, pale yellow, or orange, star-like and 6-parted and sometimes with a dark eye. The genus name is from the Greek words ornis meaning a bird and gala meaning milk in reference to the plant's white flowers.The species epithet describes the thyrse-like arrangement of flowers on the inflorescence.

Grow in consistently moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Plants are best sited in sheltered locations with a deep mulch. The plant does have toxic characteristics and you should wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.

The African Wonder Flower is often offered as a florist plant, grown in containers, and overwintered indoors. However, it can be winter hardy below USDA zone 8 and grown in flower gardens as a hardy bulb. To plant outdoors, place bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep in spring after any threat of frost. Keep moist during the growing season, but keep in mind that the plant does not do well with heavy moisture, such as heavy summer rain. In the fall before first frost, the bulbs can be lifted, dried, and stored over winter. 

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests. It can become weedy in disturbed areas and naturalized in open fields.

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