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     Native British 

Star of Bethlehem Bulbs 

Latin:  Ornithogalum umbellatum

Other Names:  Dogs Onions, Betty-go-to-bed-at-noon, Shamefaced Maiden, Eleven o'clock Lady
Distribution:  This British wild flower is native only in the East of England, but has been widely naturalized throughout Britain.  Habitat:  It grows in most soils in sun and is particularly suited to naturalising in grass.
Description:  Perennial.  It is sensitive to the level of light and if the sky is overcast, the flowers curl up their petals by midday or earlier.  The white, star-shaped flowers appear from April to June.  
Uses: The bulbs were used as food before 15^th century, hence the name 'Dogs Onions'. 

Planting Instructions for 'In the Green' Bulbs:  The bulbs should be planted as soon as you receive them.  They are best planted where they can be left undisturbed.  If the earth is frozen solid, then you’ll need to wait until it is crumbly again.  If you do need to wait for a couple of days, sink the bulbs in some damp compost in a sheltered place until the soil is crumbly again.  Please note, by the end of April the Bluebells will be finishing flowering or dying back. Plant them where they can remain undisturbed and they will start to sprout again next spring.

Plant the bulbs as soon as possible upon receipt.

These bulbs were grown in Britain from cultivated stock.