How to Grow Chincherinchee
Ornithogalum thyrsoides
Chincherinchee is a tender South African bulb producing dense upright spikes of long-lasting white star-shaped flowers from late spring into summer. It thrives in full sun and sharply drained soil or compost. In the UK it is not frost hardy — grow in pots for flexibility, or plant out after the last frost. Cut flowers are exceptional, lasting three to four weeks in a vase. Feed fortnightly from shoot emergence to bud stage. After flowering, allow foliage to die back naturally, then lift bulbs, dry them, and store frost-free until replanting the following spring.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks from when shoots emerge until flowering begins.
Watch For
- Aphids on stems and flower spikes
- Slugs on emerging shoots
- Bulb rot in waterlogged soil
Companions
Allium, Salvia, Iris, Nerine
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun essential
Chincherinchee needs a minimum of six hours of direct sun daily to flower well. A south-facing border or a sunny windowsill for container plants is ideal.
Watering
Water moderately; reduce after flowering
Water regularly during active growth and flowering. Once the foliage begins to die back, reduce watering progressively. Keep stored bulbs dry over winter.
Fertilizing
Balanced feed fortnightly during growth
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks from shoot emergence until the flower buds show colour. Stop feeding once flowering is underway.
Overwintering
Not frost hardy; lift or grow under cover
In the UK, lift bulbs in autumn after foliage dies back. Dry thoroughly and store in dry compost or paper bags above 5 degrees C. Alternatively, keep in pots and move under frost-free glass for winter.
Spacing
10-15 cm apart, 10 cm deep
Plant bulbs pointed end up, 10 cm deep and 10-15 cm apart. Good spacing improves air circulation and reduces disease risk.
Growing Tips
Exceptional cut flower
Cut stems when the lowest flowers on the spike are just opening. They will last three to four weeks in a cool room — far longer than most cut flowers.
Grow in pots for UK gardens
In the UK, chincherinchee is easiest in containers of gritty compost. You can move pots under cover if a late frost threatens and lift them in autumn without digging up a border.
Drainage is critical
Bulbs rot quickly in wet soil. Use gritty or sandy compost and ensure pots have good drainage holes. Avoid planting in low-lying spots where water collects.
Lift and store for winter
Once foliage has yellowed, lift the bulbs, shake off soil, and dry in a warm airy place for a week. Store in dry vermiculite or paper bags above 5 degrees C until spring.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of small green insects on stems and buds; sticky honeydew residue
- Blast off with a strong jet of water
- Spray with a fatty acid-based insecticide
- Encourage ladybirds and lacewings
- Spray with a contact insecticide containing deltamethrin
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Ragged holes in leaves; slime trails around the base
- Apply organic slug pellets (ferric phosphate) around emerging shoots
- Use copper tape barriers around containers
- Ferric phosphate-based pellets
Disease Bulb Rot
Symptoms: Soft, discoloured bulbs; leaves yellow and collapse; foul smell at soil level
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected bulbs; improve drainage before replanting
Prevention: Plant in sharply drained gritty compost; avoid overwatering; lift and dry bulbs thoroughly before storage
Disease Grey Mould (Botrytis) Botrytis cinerea
Symptoms: Fuzzy grey mould on stems, leaves or stored bulbs; tissue collapses
Treatment: Remove affected parts promptly; improve air circulation
Prevention: Ensure good spacing; avoid overhead watering; dry bulbs completely before storage
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 15 cm |
| Row spacing | 20 cm |
| Mature height | 60 cm |
| Mature spread | 20 cm |
Plant bulbs 10 cm deep and 10-15 cm apart in well-drained soil or containers. In the UK, best grown in pots that can be brought under cover.
