The ‘Lala Star’ lily, an Oriental Lily, captivates with its striking appearance and fragrant blooms. It adds elegance to gardens and is favored for floral arrangements. Its robust nature and visual appeal make it a popular choice.
Understanding Lala Star Lilies
‘Lala Star’ lilies grow 3 to 4 feet tall, with some reaching 6 feet. Their blooms combine pink, red, and white, often with crimson tepals edged in pink and spotted with darker red. The petals have a reflexed shape, curving gently backward. These lilies are known for their strong, pleasant fragrance.
They bloom in mid to late summer, offering a vibrant display, and are well-suited for garden beds and as cut flowers.
Planting Lala Star Lilies
Plant bulbs in fall for root establishment before spring, or in early spring when soil is workable. Choose a site with full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Afternoon shade benefits lilies in warmer climates.
They prefer rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils, which can cause bulb rot.
Plant bulbs 6 to 8 inches deep, or two to three times their height. Taller varieties benefit from deeper planting. Space bulbs 8 to 12 inches apart for adequate growth and air circulation. Planting in clusters of three to five creates a more impactful display.
Ongoing Care for Lala Star Lilies
Maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry; deep, infrequent watering is more effective. Mulching around the plant base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize to support vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-10-10) in early spring when shoots emerge and again as flowers open. Slow-release fertilizers are also beneficial. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote foliage over flowers.
Tall plants or those with heavy flower heads may need staking for support (e.g., bamboo stakes or twine). After flowers fade, deadhead spent blooms to direct energy into strengthening the bulb for the next season, rather than producing seeds. Leave foliage intact until it naturally dies back in fall, as leaves nourish the bulb.
Addressing Common Challenges
‘Lala Star’ lilies can face various challenges, including pests and diseases.
Pests
Lily Beetle: Bright red insects and their larvae consume leaves, stems, and buds. Hand-picking is effective; insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays can also be used.
Aphids: Tiny sap-sucking insects that weaken plants and transmit diseases. Insecticidal soap is effective, and encouraging natural predators like ladybugs can help.
Fungal Diseases
Botrytis Blight (Gray Mold): Appears as reddish-brown spots on leaves, especially in humid conditions. Prevent overhead watering, ensure good air circulation, and destroy infected plant parts.
Basal Rot: A soil-borne fungal disease causing bulb decay, yellowing, and stunting. Plant only disease-free bulbs and ensure proper drainage.
Viral Diseases
Viral diseases cause leaf mottling or stunted growth and have no cure. Prevent their spread by purchasing virus-free bulbs and controlling aphid populations, as they can transmit viruses.
Winter Care and Blooming Issues
In colder climates, apply a 4 to 6-inch layer of mulch over lily beds after the ground freezes to protect bulbs from heaving. Remove this mulch in early spring before new growth emerges.
If lilies fail to bloom, common reasons include insufficient sunlight, inadequate nutrients, overcrowding, or improper planting depth. Ensure at least six hours of daily sunlight, provide balanced fertilizer, divide overcrowded bulbs every three to four years, and plant at the correct depth to encourage flowering.