Ornithogalum Arab’s Eye – Black Pearl Lily (Pack of 4 Bulbs)

Ornithogalum Arab’s Eye - Black Pearl Lily (Ornithogalum arabicum) Add a touch of elegance to your garden with Arabs Eye, a striking bulb that produces clusters of sweetly scented, pure white star-shaped flowers, each adorned with a distinctive glossy black centre. Also known as Arabian Star Flower or Black Pearl Lily, this eye-catching ornamental is prized by gardeners and florists alike for its long-lasting blooms and architectural presence. Whether planted in borders, garden beds, or containers, Arabs Eye delivers a stunning floral display in any Australian garden. Each sturdy stem carries a loose cluster of up to 15 individual flowers, each measuring approximately 5 cm across, held well above strap-like green foliage. The contrast between the bright white petals and the bead-like black ovary at the centre of each bloom gives this variety its common name. Arabs Eye is native to northern Africa and southern Europe and thrives in the warm, dry conditions found across much of Australia. The fragrant blooms are highly sought after as cut flowers, lasting for weeks in a vase and making a beautiful addition to floral arrangements. Sourced from Trenton Cottage, a specialist Australian bulb grower. Product Highlights • Bulb count: 4 per pack • Flower colour: Pure white with glossy black centre • Plant height: 40 to 50 cm • Bloom time: October to November (late spring) • Naturalising: Yes, multiplies freely via bulb offsets • Sun requirements: Full sun to part shade • Soil type: Well-drained soil • Frost tolerance: Frost hardy Planting Instructions Plant Arabs Eye bulbs in autumn, once the weather begins to cool. Choose a position in full sun to part shade with well-drained soil. Dig a hole approximately 8 cm deep and space each bulb around 15 cm apart, placing them with the pointed end facing upward. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the bulbs. Arabs Eye is well suited to container growing, so if garden space is limited, plant bulbs in a quality potting mix in a pot with adequate drainage holes. For best results in containers, plant bulbs at the same depth and spacing as garden planting. Work a balanced slow-release fertiliser through the soil prior to planting to give bulbs the best start. Watering and Care Once established, Arabs Eye requires minimal watering. Water only if the soil begins to dry out due to insufficient rainfall, taking care not to overwater as bulbs are prone to rot in waterlogged conditions. After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally. The leaves continue to photosynthesise and feed the bulb, building energy reserves for the following season. Avoid cutting back green foliage prematurely. Apply a light application of a balanced fertiliser in early spring as new growth appears to support healthy blooms. Pruning Advice Remove spent flower stems once all blooms have finished to keep plants looking tidy and to prevent the plant from directing energy into seed production. Leave the foliage in place until it has completely yellowed and withered, then gently remove it at ground level. Bulbs can be left undisturbed in the ground for many years, where they will gradually form larger clumps. If clumps become overcrowded and flowering declines, lift and divide bulbs after the foliage has died down. Store divided bulbs in a cool, dry place and replant in autumn. Climate Zone Guide Cool and Alpine (ACT, VIC Highlands, NSW Tablelands): Excellent results in these regions. The cold winter dormancy period suits Arabs Eye well. Plant in a sheltered, full sun position for the strongest flower stems. Temperate (Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, coastal NSW): Ideal growing conditions with reliable annual flowering. Arabs Eye performs consistently in temperate gardens and is well suited to both beds and containers. Subtropical (Brisbane, coastal QLD): Can be grown successfully in subtropical regions. Ensure excellent drainage and plant in a position that receives morning sun with afternoon protection from intense heat. Tropical and Arid (Darwin, Far North QLD): Not recommended for tropical climates without cold treatment. The lack of a distinct cool season makes it difficult for bulbs to establish the dormancy period they require. Important Warnings All parts of the Ornithogalum plant, including bulbs, stems, leaves, and flowers, are toxic if ingested by humans, dogs, cats, and livestock. Keep bulbs stored safely away from children and pets. Wear gloves when handling bulbs as the sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Do not plant near vegetable gardens where accidental ingestion is a risk. If ingestion occurs, seek medical or veterinary advice immediately.