Ornithogalum Chincherinchee Elite - Trenton Cottage
Ornithogalum Chincherinchee Elite - Trenton Cottage
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Ornithogalum Chincherinchee Elite

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Ornithogalum Chincherinchee Elite (Ornithogalum thyrsoides) is a striking bulbous perennial that adds a touch of refinement to any garden. Its lush green foliage emerges in early spring, setting the stage for tall, upright stems adorned with star-shaped white blooms that appear in late spring. Thriving in full sun and well-draining soil, it prefers warm, dry conditions but can also withstand cold temperatures, making it adaptable to most climates. Ideal for borders, mass plantings, or containers, its exceptional vase life makes it perfect for elegant cut flower arrangements. True to its name, Ornithogalum Chincherinchee Elite stands out as a sophisticated addition to any garden.

SKU: TCCHIELI005 Category: Tags: , , ,

Description

Ornithogalum Chincherinchee ‘Elite’
Ornithogalum Chincherinchee ‘Elite,’ a member of the Hyacinthaceae family and commonly known as Chincherinchee, is a stunning bulbous perennial native to South Africa. In early spring, its lush green foliage emerges, creating a vibrant backdrop for the tall spikes of up to 30 star-shaped, white flowers that follow. These elegant blooms appear in late spring and can last through to autumn, offering a prolonged display of beauty. Renowned for their exceptional vase life, lasting up to three weeks when cut, Chincherinchee ‘Elite’ is perfect for floral arrangements. Its drought tolerance, ability to naturalise, and low-maintenance nature make it an ideal choice for garden borders, pots, mass plantings, or indoor displays, providing elegance with minimal effort.

Uses
Chincherinchee ‘Elite’ is versatile and suits various applications:

  • Garden Borders: Adds structure and sophistication with its upright flower spikes.
  • Mass Plantings: Creates a dramatic display with dense clusters of white blooms.
  • Pots and Containers: Perfect for patios and balconies with limited space.
  • Cut Flowers: Long-lasting in vases, ideal for arrangements.
  • Naturalising: Multiplies easily when left undisturbed, offering low-maintenance charm. Its adaptability makes it a favourite for enhancing formal and informal garden styles alike.

Climate
Chincherinchee adapts well to most climates, thriving in cool, temperate, Mediterranean, and arid regions. They thrive in these areas because the well-drained soil, consistent moisture during growth, and milder seasonal temperatures provide ideal conditions for robust root development and vibrant blooms. Their tolerance for light frosts down to -5°C further enhances their adaptability in these climates.

When to Plant
Plant bulbs from March onwards, ideally as temperatures begin to cool, to allow roots to establish before winter. For mass plantings or borders, staggering planting times can help extend the blooming season.

Planting Guide

  1. Use well-draining soil, turn it over before planting, and incorporate a complete fertiliser for healthy growth.
  2. Choose full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil.
  3. Plant bulbs 8 cm deep and 10-15 cm apart in garden beds, or slightly closer in pots.
  4. Place bulbs with the pointed end up, backfill, and firm soil gently.
  5. Water thoroughly after planting and during the growing phase, only water deeply when the topsoil has dried out.
  6. Apply mulch to regulate soil temperature.

Aftercare
Maintain evenly moist soil during the growing season, allowing it to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during dormancy. While not essential, applying a complete fertiliser in spring can enhance blooming. Use mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, especially in warmer climates. Remove spent flowers and allow the foliage to die back naturally, enabling the bulbs to store energy for the next season. Protect dormant bulbs from excessive rainfall to prevent rot.

Division
Divide Chincherinchee when they become overcrowded. Carefully lift bulbs after foliage dies back, separate clusters, and replant at 8 cm depth and 10 cm spacing. Dividing overcrowded clumps improves flowering and prevents competition for nutrients.

Pests and Diseases
While resilient, they can occasionally attract pests such as aphids, thrips, and mealybugs. Treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Prevent fungal diseases like root rot and leaf spot by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering. Maintain good airflow around plants to reduce humidity-related issues, particularly in wetter climates. Regularly check for pest activity and act early to minimise damage.

Safety
Chincherinchee ‘Elite’ is harmful if consumed and may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in humans and pets. To ensure safety, keep bulbs and plants out of reach of children and animals. For those with sensitive skin, wearing gloves when handling the bulbs is advisable. If ingestion or irritation occurs, seek medical advice promptly.

Supplied as dormant bulbs.

Additional information

Price Code

A – Pink Pack
Botanical Name

Ornithiogalum thyrsoides
Quantity in Pack

5 Bulbs
Flowering Time

Spring
Planting Time

Plant from March onwards
Growing Height

60 cm
Planting Depth

8 cm
Soil

Chincherinchees can be planted in most soil types but prefer well-draining, light soils. For extremely poor soils, improve structure and fertility by adding compost or well-rotted organic matter, ensuring the soil remains light and aerated. While incorporating a complete fertiliser can benefit nutrient-deficient soils, it is optional if moderate enrichment has been done. Turn over the soil thoroughly before planting to create the ideal conditions for healthy root development. When planting in pots, use a well-draining potting mix with added sand or perlite for improved aeration, avoiding heavy or overly rich soils that retain excess moisture.
How to Plant

Once the soil is prepared, select a sunny location. Chincherinchees thrive in full sun but benefit from partial shade in warmer regions to protect against excessive heat. Plant the bulbs 8 cm deep and space them 10-15 cm apart in garden beds, or slightly closer when planting in pots. Water thoroughly to help settle the bulbs. Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds, leaving space around the base of the stem to ensure proper airflow and prevent rot.
Watering

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until shoots appear. Once shoots emerge, water occasionally when the topsoil feels dry. Check by poking your finger into the soil, and water deeply in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. Chincherinchee prefer moderate moisture but can tolerate drier conditions, so it's important not to overwater.

As the leaves start turning yellow, slowly reduce watering, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings as the plant enters dormancy. Once the foliage has completely died back, Chincherinchee requires very minimal watering. For bulbs in the ground, leave them undisturbed in well-draining soil. In cooler, temperate, or Mediterranean climates, natural rainfall is often sufficient, but in warmer or drier climates, monitor the soil during extended dry periods and provide a light watering only if it becomes excessively dry. In pots, particularly in shaded or sheltered areas, water sparingly if the soil dries out completely. Avoid overwatering, as dormant bulbs are highly susceptible to rot. Maintaining lightly dry soil ensures the bulbs remain healthy and ready for the next growing season. Once established, Chincherinchee are drought tolerant, making them a resilient and low-maintenance addition to your garden.
Fertilise

Fertilising is not essential for Chincherinchee, as they are relatively low-maintenance and thrive with minimal feeding. However, applying a complete fertiliser can be beneficial, either when preparing the soil before planting or when new shoots emerge during the growth period, to support healthy growth and vibrant blooms. For potted plants, a complete fertiliser may be lightly applied during the growing season to replenish nutrients that deplete more quickly in containers. Avoid over-fertilising to maintain the plant’s natural growth cycle.
Pruning

Pruning Chincherinchee is minimal and primarily involves removing spent flowers and dead foliage to keep the plant tidy and encourage healthy growth. Once the flowers have finished blooming, cut the flower stems back to the base, taking care not to damage the leaves. Allow the foliage to die back naturally, as it helps the bulbs store energy for the next growing season. Only remove the leaves once they have completely withered and turned yellow or brown. Regularly clearing away dead material also helps reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
Chincherinchee bulbs can be left undisturbed for many years, but they should be divided when overcrowding occurs to ensure healthy growth and flowering. Divide the bulbs during dormancy, after the foliage has completely died back, and replant or store them as needed.
Chincherinchee is generally a trouble-free bulb but can be susceptible to fungal diseases like Botrytis blight during cool, damp weather. To prevent issues, ensure good air circulation, avoid waterlogging, and remove any affected plant material. A fungicide may be applied if symptoms appear.
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