U.S. National Arboretum Plant Introduction

Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit

U.S. National Arboretum, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 3501 New York Ave., N.E., Washington, DC 20002

The U.S. National Arboretum announces the release of three novel

Ornithogalum hybrids, 'Chesapeake Blaze', 'Chesapeake Sunburst', and

'Chesapeake Sunset'. These cultivars are designed for container culture, unlike the

popular cut flower Ornithogalum. Dense clusters of orange or yellow flowers are

displayed on short, thick flower stems and last for months. For cheery bursts of color in

your decorating or long-lasting gift to yourself or someone you love, the Chesapeake

Series selections are ideal.

Flower Size Cultivar Ploidy Level Flower Number & Color

Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Blaze',

'Chesapeake Sunburst', and

'Chesapeake Sunset'

'Chesapeake Blaze'

'Chesapeake Sunset'

'Chesapeake Sunburst'
U.S. National Arboretum Plant Introduction

Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit

U.S. National Arboretum: www.ars-grin.gov/na/

Chesapeake Series Star-of-Bethlehem

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Botanical Name: Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Blaze' (NA 69717)

Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Sunburst' (NA 69718)

Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Sunset' (NA 69716)

Family: Liliaceae

Hardiness: U.S.D.A. Zone 9; indoor potted plant.

Development: The Chesapeake Series was jointly created by Robert J. Griesbach of the USNA

and the late Fred Meyer of New World Plants, Inc., as a new line of potted plant

types combining the dense floral display and large flowers of Ornithogalum

thyrsoides, compact habit of O. multifolium, and intense orange color and short

stature of O. dubium. Following the production of interspecific hybrids facilitated

by embryo rescue, and extensive intercrossing, 'Chesapeake Blaze', 'Chesapeake

Sunburst', and 'Chesapeake Sunset' were selected. U.S. Patent Pending.

Officially registered with the Royal General Bulb Grower’s Association in The

Netherlands.

Significance: The Chesapeake Series cultivars are the first hybrid Ornithogalum developed for

use as potted plant crops. This series is a significant plant breeding accomplishment, offering new color shades, increased bud count and flower size, and the

thick, straight stems essential for potted crops.

Description: Height: 10–12 inches tall.

Habit: Summer dormant, deciduous bulb.

Foliage: Dark green glabrous leaves 1–2 inches wide and 6–8 inches long.

Flowers: Bulbs produce 2–3 flower stems in succession, individual flower stems

bloom for 3–4 weeks. Plants remain in bloom for several months.

Culture: Bulbs should be grown in a well-drained potting mix or sandy-loam soil, pH of

6.0–7.0. Plants grow and flower continuously at temperatures under 90°F; 65–

75°F is ideal; dormancy occurs above 90°F. Commercially, dormancy is broken by

high temperature rather than low.

Propagation: Bulbs are vegetatively propagated; tissue culture.

Use: Container planting for indoor use, gift plants; bedding plants in zone 9.

Availability: Finished bulbs are being produced under a licensing agreement. Plants available

in the United States to commercial finishers in fall, 1999, and through retailers

in spring, 2000. For additional information, contact Dr. Robert Griesbach, U.S.

National Arboretum, Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit.

Cultivar Ploidy Level Flower Number & Color Flower Size

''Chesapeake Blaze' Triploid 30–40 bright orange 2" diameter on

(RHS 24A) 7–10" inflorescence

'Chesapeake Sunburst' Diploid 30–40 bright yellow 1.5" diameter on

(RHS 9A) 7–10" inflorescence

'Chesapeake Sunset' Tetraploid 20–25 deep orange 1.5" diameter on

(RHS 25A) 4-6" inflorescence

November 1999