Star of Bethlehem: Mighty and Long-Lasting.

LivRio Magazine November 2024, powered by FloraLife

Native to Mediterranean regions, Star of Bethlehem, or more formally known as, Ornithogalum, is a winter flowering bulbous crop belonging to the Asparagus family.

According to legend, it grew from fragments of the biblical star of Bethlehem after it fell to earth and shattered into pieces, hence its celestial common name.

Its Latin name, however, is slightly less romantic and when translated means ‘Bird’s milk’, which is a euphemism for bird droppings.

Medicinally, it contains a compound which can be used to treat high blood pressure and is a useful alternative for people who cannot tolerate digitoxin, the Digitalis derived glycoside.

As a cut flower, these mighty stems may appear delicate, but they can bloom for up to a month, as new flowers open throughout the vaselife.

In the language of flowers, it is associated with purity and hope, atonement and reconciliation, so perhaps the perfect gift for a peaceful holiday season? With that thought in mind, be sure to include this festive bloom in all your holiday arrangements.  

Care and Handling Information

Shipping & Storage

• Shipping and storage temperatures should be 34 – 38° F (1-3° C).

Re-hydration at Store Level

• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner.
• If received dry packed, conditioning of stem ends is recommended to prevent blockage and promote uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Place flowers in a flower food holding solution such as FloraLife® Express 200. Do not put flowers directly in metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water that has not been treated with a water softener.
• Store in a cooler at 34 – 38° F (1- 3° C) with 75 – 85% relative humidity.
• Ornithogalum are best hydrated with their protective sleeve intact. Leave stems in their packaging until hydrated (approx. 4 hours).  
• Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating Ornithogalum or any other flowers.

Vase Care

• If received dry, cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Immediately place flowers in properly dosed vase solutions (flower food and water) containing FloraLife Crystal Clear® (the perfect solution for clear vases), or FloraLife® Express 300 (the no-cut premium solution).
• If received dry, leave stems to hydrate for approximately four hours. Once hydrated, remove sleeve and arrange as desired.

Special Considerations:

If using for an event, it is good practice to hydrate Ornithogalum at least 1 week (depending on storing conditions) before the intended usage to allow the blooms to open nicely before designing.

*Product availability depends upon geographical region