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 tyrsoides) is a striking bulbous perennial that brings elegance and impact to the garden. With tall, upright stems rising above a base of lush green foliage, it produces clusters of star-shaped white flowers with distinctive green centres that stand out beautifully in both gardens and floral displays. Blooming through spring and summer, these statuesque flowers add structure and refinement to borders, mass plantings, and containers. Renowned for their exceptional vase life of up to three weeks, they are also an outstanding choice for sophisticated cut flower arrangements. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, they are adaptable across cool to mild tropical climates, drought-tolerant once established, and easy to grow, making Chincherinchee ‘Elite’ a rewarding choice for gardeners seeking lasting beauty indoors and out.

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Description

Ornithogalum Chincherinchee ‘Elite’ (Ornithogalum tyrsoides, Hyacinthaceae family)
Ornithogalum Chincherinchee ‘Elite,’ commonly known as Chincherinchee, is a striking bulbous perennial native to South Africa. Admired for its tall spikes of star-shaped white flowers with green centres, this variety grows up to 60 cm and produces blooms from spring through summer. The elegant flowers rise above a base of lush green foliage, adding structure and brightness to garden beds, borders, and pots. Renowned for their exceptional vase life, lasting up to three weeks when cut, Chincherinchee ‘Elite’ is equally valued for garden displays and cut flower arrangements. With its drought tolerance, ability to naturalise, and low-maintenance nature, it is a versatile and rewarding choice for a wide range of gardens.

Where to Plant
Best planted in borders, mass plantings, and pots where their upright flower spikes can stand out. They suit both formal and informal gardens and combine beautifully with other perennials, spring bulbs, and ornamental grasses. In pots and containers, they add architectural quality to patios, courtyards, and balconies.

Climate Suitability
It can be grown in cool to mild tropical climates. These hardy bulbs prefer well-drained soil and full sun to part shade and are frost hardy once established. They are drought-tolerant when mature but still benefit from occasional deep watering during their growing and blooming season. In humid or very wet regions, bulbs are best lifted and stored during dormancy to prevent rot, while pots can be moved to sheltered areas for protection.

When to Plant
Plant bulbs in autumn from March onwards, allowing them to establish roots before winter. This ensures strong growth and reliable flowering in the following season.

Soil
Chincherinchee can be planted in most soil types but prefers 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. When planting in pots, use a well-draining potting mix with added perlite for improved aeration, avoiding heavy or overly rich soils that retain excess moisture.

How to Plant

  • Soil preparation: Turn over the soil before planting and enrich it with compost or organic matter if needed.
  • Light: Choose a full sun to part shade position.
  • Depth and spacing: Plant bulbs 8 cm deep and 10–15 cm apart in beds, ensuring enough space for growth. For pots, choose a larger container to allow bulbs to expand over time.
  • Placement: Position bulbs with the pointed end facing upwards, then backfill and firm the soil gently.
  • Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.

Watering
Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season, allowing it to dry slightly between waterings. Begin reducing watering as plants enter dormancy and provide only minimal moisture once the foliage has fully died back. In most regions, natural rainfall is sufficient, but in hot or dry climates, supplement with occasional deep watering. Container-grown plants dry out more quickly and should be checked regularly to prevent stress.

Fertilising
Chincherinchee are low-maintenance plants that do not require heavy feeding. However, applying a complete fertiliser as new growth emerges helps promote strong stems and abundant blooms. For potted plants, a light application during the growing season replenishes nutrients that deplete more quickly in containers. Avoid over-fertilising to maintain healthy, balanced growth.

Mulching
Apply a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep it slightly away from the base of the stems to maintain airflow and reduce the risk of rot. Refresh annually, as mulch is especially helpful for conserving moisture in warmer regions and insulating soil in cooler climates.

Maintenance
Remove spent flowers to encourage the plant to focus on bulb development rather than seed production. Allow the foliage to die back naturally, as this process is essential for the bulbs to store energy for the following season. Protect dormant bulbs from excessive rainfall to reduce the risk of rot. A light mulch layer can also help conserve soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Division and Storage
Bulbs can remain in the ground undisturbed for many years, gradually forming clumps. If overcrowding reduces flowering, lift and divide once the foliage has fully died back. Replant immediately at 8 cm depth and 10 cm spacing, or store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place until autumn. In regions with wet summers, lifting and storing annually during dormancy is recommended to prevent rot.

Pests and Diseases
• Aphids, thrips, and mealybugs – May appear on foliage; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Slugs and snails – Can damage young shoots; protect with traps or barriers.
• Botrytis blight – May occur in cool, damp weather; improve air circulation, avoid waterlogging, and remove affected material. Apply a fungicide if signs occur.
• Root rot – Caused by poorly drained soils or excessive watering; ensure good drainage and reduce watering during dormancy.
• Leaf spot – Fungal disease encouraged by high humidity; maintain airflow and avoid overhead watering.

Safety
Chincherinchee ‘Elite’ is harmful if consumed and may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in humans and pets. Keep bulbs and plants out of reach of children and animals. Those with sensitive skin may prefer to wear gloves when handling. If ingestion or irritation occurs, seek medical advice promptly.

Caution: Harmful if eaten.

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

Chincherinchee can be planted in most soil types but grows best in well-drained, light soils. To improve very poor soils, incorporate compost or well-rotted organic matter to enhance structure and aeration, but avoid making the soil overly rich, as this can reduce flowering. A complete fertiliser may be added where soils are nutrient-deficient, though it is not essential if moderate enrichment has already been done. Turn the soil over thoroughly before planting to encourage strong root development. For pots and containers, choose a free-draining potting mix, ideally with added perlite for aeration, and avoid heavy mixes that retain excess moisture.
How to Plant

Choose a sunny position, as Chincherinchees thrive in full sun but benefit from partial shade in warmer regions where heat can be intense. Enrich and loosen the soil by incorporating compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting. Place bulbs 8 cm deep, spacing them 10–15 cm apart in garden beds. For pots, use a larger container that allows room for the bulbs to expand over time. 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

Provide consistent moisture while plants are establishing, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged until shoots appear. Once growth begins, water when the topsoil feels dry, checking by gently pressing a finger into the soil. Water deeply in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler, as this supports healthy root development and strong flowering.

As the foliage starts to yellow, gradually reduce watering, allowing the soil to dry more between waterings as the plant enters dormancy. Once the foliage has completely died back, only minimal watering is needed. In garden beds, natural rainfall is often sufficient to sustain bulbs through dormancy. In areas with prolonged dry weather, an occasional light watering may be given to stop the bulbs from drying out too much, but they should otherwise remain on the drier side to avoid rot.

In humid or mild tropical climates, bulbs are best lifted and stored over winter to avoid rot. For those grown in pots, either move containers to a sheltered, drier location during dormancy or lift and store the bulbs until replanting.

In pots generally, particularly those in shaded or sheltered areas, check moisture more frequently and water sparingly if the soil dries out completely. Avoid overwatering, as dormant bulbs are highly susceptible to rot.

Once established, Chincherinchee ‘Elite’ can tolerate drier periods, though they still benefit from an occasional deep watering during the blooming season to support prolonged displays.
Fertilise

Fertilising is not essential for Chincherinchee, as they are relatively low-maintenance and thrive with minimal feeding. However, applying a complete fertiliser as new shoots emerge during the growth period helps support healthy growth and vibrant blooms. For potted plants, a light application during the growing season helps 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. In warmer climates, flowering may occur slightly earlier, which means foliage can begin to die back sooner than in cooler regions. 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 in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area until autumn. In regions with wet summers, lifting and storing annually during dormancy is recommended to prevent rot.

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 signs appear.
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