My Creative Workbook

Christine de Beer - effortless floral craftsman

Ornithogalum - The Afrikaans name is tjienkerientjee (named after the sound the stems make when rubbing together in the wind) Chincherinchee, wonder-flower (because they last so long), star-of-Bethlehem (biblical reference to the Christmas star)

Ornithogalum

Detail of my Christmas design: Floral wings with Chincherinchees, passion fruit tendrils, jasmine foliage and string of pearls succulents

Common name

The Afrikaans name is tjienkerientjee (named after the sound the stems make when rubbing together in the wind) Chincherinchee, wonder-flower (because they last so long), star-of-Bethlehem (biblical reference to the Christmas star)

Origin

South Africa and southern Europe

Varieties

Chincherinchee is part of the Hyacinthaceae family and the most common flowers grown for the cutflower industry are Ornithogalum thyrsoides, Ornithogalum umbellatum (has larger flowers with a green stripe) and Ornithogalum arabicum (with a green-black ovary in the center) and . Ornithogalum dubium (cup shaped orange flowers)

Colors

White or creamy-white, sometimes tinted green or bronze at the base with a brown or green or green-black ovary in the centre that fades with age

Vase life

Two to four weeks as a stem but the flowers last a bit shorter if cut as individual flowers

Scent

Strong, sweet floral fragrance

Uses

The white Chincherinchee flowers and stems are really trendy at the moment and is used in intricate wedding bouquets, table centerpieces and flower arrangements. The Flower stalks easily take up colourant when placed in food dyes.

Conditioning

Remove any foliage and place in cold water with flower food. The buds will continue to open. When designing with Chincherinchees keep in mind that the stem will bend up if placed in a horizontal position (geotropism). Parts of the plants are poisonous so always make sure the plants are not placed where pets can eat them. Wash or protect your hands to avoid skin irritation or allergic reaction when handled. Water the plants once every 14 days and let the soil dry out before watering again. Place the plants in a warm sunny position. The better the soil conditions the larger the flowers.

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Related Designs

9 February 2022 Tilt container with a spilling twigs armature

Perfect design for a warmer than usual winter design that hints at thawing.

9 February 2022 Pouring

Place a small fishbowl vase at an angle to look like it is pouring out flowers and twigs.

2 February 2022 Connect bud vases with a fresh foliage open weave

Craft two woven panels to place front and back of a couple of bud vases to create a unit.

2 February 2022 Putting my feelers out

Adding just a little something to a bud vase design to connect them... and make it special.

8 July 2015 How To Catch A Dream

Take inspiration from a traditional Dream-catcher design to create a floral armature

25 December 2013 A gift for gifting

Christmas gift design

20 November 2012 there’s a feeling

Glue snippets of dried green stems and Green Trick Carnation to make tiny floral wings for Christmas

10 April 2011 Simplicity

Durbanville FlowerClub Arrangement: Chincherinchee on a wire spiral