Chincherinchee
Ornithogalum thyrsoides
Also known as
Wonder-Flower, Star-Of-Bethlehem, Tjienkerientjee, Tjienk, Wit-Tjienk, Viooltjie (Afr.)
Ornithogalum thyrsoides 1c by Consultaplantas (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Tender
10b
USDA zone
2°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 30cm |
20cm | Min | 10cm |
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Chincherinchee
Chincherinchee Overview
The chincherinchee is a bulbous perennial originally from Namaqualand to the Cape Penisula to Caledon and the Agulhas Plain in South Africa. This species grows in shallow pools, sandy flats, lower mountain slopes and in disturbed ground. It is a winter rainfall species, but it grows well in gardens in the summer rainfall region too. It is also grown commercially as a cut flower. Produces pure white, bowl-shaped flowers. This species has evolved to survive hot, dry summers through dormancy. ZA Distribution: Northern Cape, Western Cape.
How to harvest Chincherinchee
Flowers are cut for the vase, cut early in the mornings and place stems into water.
How to propagate Chincherinchee
Seed
Seed can be sown in autumn or spring into well draining potting mixture, keep moist.
Division
Propagated mainly by separation of bulbils from bulbs, during dormancy.
Bulbs
Propagate by seed or offsets, in autumn for spring-flowering bulbs, in spring for summer-flowering bulbs.
Special features of Chincherinchee
Pot plant
Attracts bees
Attractive flowers
White or creamy-white, usually with a brown or green centre.
Other uses of Chincherinchee
Border, greenhouse, cutting bed, container and ideal for cut flowers