Ornithogalum Species, Orange Star, Snake Plant, Sun Star, Yellow Chincherinchee

Ornithogalumdubium

Genus
Ornithogalum (or-ni-THOG-al-um)
Species
dubium (DOO-bee-um)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Foliage
Herbaceous
Height
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color
Orange
Gold (yellow-orange)
Bloom Time
Late Winter/Early Spring
Other Details
Category
Bulbs
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Suitable for growing in containers
Bloom Characteristics
Flowers are good for cutting
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Phoenix, Arizona(2 reports)

Tucson, Arizona

Acton, California

Brea, California

Castro Valley, California

El Dorado Hills, California

Irvine, California

La Puente, California

Perris, California

Rancho Cucamonga, California

San Diego, California

Wheatland, California

Cape Coral, Florida

New Port Richey, Florida

Atlanta, Georgia

Marietta, Georgia

Divernon, Illinois

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Joplin, Missouri

Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania

Austin, Texas

Flower Mound, Texas

San Antonio, Texas

Appomattox, Virginia

show all

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

8
positives
6
neutrals
0
negative
Sort By:
Sort By:
A
A
San Diego, CA | December 2016 | positive

We have this plant in our collection in pots, and it does quite well for us. At present, the leaves are coming in. We should see flowers ...Read More

C
ROSLINDALE, MA | September 2016 | neutral

The flower stems typically reach 20" tall.

I've had this species survive a mild winter here in Boston Z6a, though it only ...Read More

C
Flower Mound, TX | September 2015 | positive

Every one should have this plant. I saw this plant in Albenia and Romania long time back. I was brough few seeds which I planted and star...Read More

G
Chattanooga, TN | March 2013 | neutral

I am hopeful, but after receiving this lovely plant with orange blossoms three days ago it's tallest blossom instead of standing stick st...Read More

D
| January 2011 | neutral

Hi, I bought some Ornithogalum Dubium (Sun Stars) in Israel which do not need to be placed in water. They have bloomed beautifully and wi...Read More

M
Coon Rapids, MN (Zone 4a) | August 2010 | positive

This species is an interesting additonal to a container garden - they will make 2 to 3 flushes of flower spikes but usually works best wh...Read More

T
Elizabeth City, NC (Zone 8a) | April 2010 | positive

this plant actually came back here in zone 8 after a abnormally cold winter. it's against my south facing wall. miracles do happen!

M
Atlanta, GA (Zone 7b) | September 2009 | positive

Flowers are extrememly showy and lasted forever last winter. Goes dormant in the summer, reappears in the winter. Excellent house plant.

S
Saint Petersburg, FL (Zone 9b) | June 2008 | neutral

Just bought this plant at a local Wal-Mart, where they had bazillions of them. Had never heard of it before. The blooms are progressing...Read More

B
Phoenix, AZ | May 2007 | positive

Beautiful bright orange blossoms. I planted on the north side of my house in the spring, and I water it once a week or less. The phoenix ...Read More

L
L
Wheatland, CA (Zone 9a) | May 2006 | neutral

Just purchased it. It was labeled orange star. Awesome plant

H
H
San Antonio, TX (Zone 8b) | July 2005 | positive

This plant is native to Africa. It will die down in the summer and reappear in late winter or early spring. Do not water it while it is d...Read More

J
J
Divernon, IL (Zone 5b) | April 2005 | positive

Good for forcing in a cool basement under fluorescents.

P
Appomattox, VA | July 2004 | neutral

I found this plant at our Kroger's supermarket sold as "Sun Stars" in a 4" pot.

It was fairly showey but soon began to she...Read More

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