Starlette Lilies are a popular choice for gardeners, offering vibrant blooms and straightforward care. These captivating plants enhance outdoor spaces with their striking appearance.
Understanding Starlette Lilies
The ‘Starlette’ lily is a type of Asiatic lily, characterized by its upright, star-shaped flowers. These lilies typically display fiery red and orange hues, often with orange hearts and tips, creating a neon-like effect. Starlette lilies generally reach a height of 36 to 48 inches (90-120 cm) and bloom from early to mid-summer. They are perennial plants, meaning they return year after year, and are known for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Starlette lilies thrive in full sun to partial shade, ideally with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Well-draining soil is crucial, as they do not tolerate soggy conditions. A neutral to slightly acidic pH is preferred, and they are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9.
Planting Starlette Lilies
Planting Starlette lily bulbs can be done in either the fall or spring. Fall planting, about four weeks before the first frost, allows the bulbs to establish roots before winter, often leading to larger blooms. If planting in spring, do so as soon as the ground can be worked.
Before planting, prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of 12 to 15 inches (30-37 cm) and incorporating organic matter such as compost. This helps improve drainage and provides essential nutrients. Plant the bulbs approximately 6 inches (15 cm) deep, measuring from the soil surface to the top of the bulb, with the pointed end facing upwards. Space the bulbs about 8 to 18 inches (20-45 cm) apart, allowing ample room for growth and spread. After planting, water the area thoroughly to settle the soil around the bulbs.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent moisture is important during the active growing season. Aim for about an inch of water per week, preferring deep watering over overhead sprinkling to prevent fungal diseases. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to bulb rot.
Fertilization promotes abundant blooms. Apply a balanced granular fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring after shoots emerge. Supplemental feedings with a higher phosphorus fertilizer can further promote flower development. Water thoroughly after application, keeping fertilizer from direct contact with bulbs. Tall varieties may benefit from staking in windy conditions. Deadheading spent blooms redirects energy towards bulb development, potentially encouraging more flowers.
Common Problems and Solutions
Starlette lilies can encounter certain issues, including pests and diseases. Aphids are common insect pests that can affect lilies, often appearing on new growth. A strong spray of water can dislodge them, or insecticidal soap can be used for more severe infestations. Lily beetles are another pest that can cause significant damage by feeding on leaves and flowers. Manual removal or appropriate insecticides may be necessary to manage their populations.
Fungal diseases like Botrytis blight, also known as gray mold, can affect lily leaves, stems, and flowers, especially in wet conditions. Symptoms include brown spots that can spread and cause foliage to thin and become brittle. To manage Botrytis, ensure good air circulation around plants and avoid overhead watering. Removing and destroying infected plant material promptly can help prevent the spread of the fungus. Yellowing leaves can signal overwatering or poor drainage, in which case adjusting watering practices and improving soil drainage is important.
Winter Care and Preparing for Dormancy
As winter approaches, prepare Starlette lilies for dormancy. Once foliage yellows and dies back, cut stems to ground level. This allows the plant to store energy in its bulb. Apply a thick layer of mulch, such as straw or leaf mold, to insulate bulbs from freezing temperatures and frost heaving.
In very cold climates or for container-grown lilies, lifting bulbs for indoor storage is an option. Store lifted bulbs in a cool, dark, dry place with good air circulation, nestled in peat moss or sand. For lilies left in the ground, ensure the soil does not become waterlogged, as excess moisture can lead to bulb rot.