Stargazer lilies, with their intensely fragrant, star-shaped flowers and vibrant crimson-and-white petals, are a popular choice for gardeners seeking a dramatic summer display. This hybrid Oriental lily cultivar is excellent for container gardening on patios, balconies, or decks. Growing Stargazers in pots allows for greater control over their environment and simplifies overwintering the perennial bulbs. Consistent care and specific container requirements ensure magnificent, upward-facing blooms.
Preparing the Container and Bulbs
Selecting the appropriate container is crucial to the success of potted Stargazer lilies. The pots should have a diameter of at least 8 to 12 inches, allowing three bulbs to be comfortably planted together for a fuller display. Depth is particularly important, as lily bulbs require a significant amount of soil above them to develop a strong root system and anchor their tall stems. Choose a container that is deep, ideally 10 to 12 inches, and ensure it has large drainage holes to prevent water accumulation and subsequent bulb rot.
The potting medium must be well-draining yet rich in organic matter to provide a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Use a high-quality, commercial potting mix amended with materials like peat moss or compost; never use dense garden soil, which compacts easily. Plant the firm, healthy bulbs approximately 6 to 8 inches deep, with the pointed end facing upward, and place them 8 to 10 inches apart to allow for airflow. After planting, water the container thoroughly until excess moisture drains from the bottom, settling the soil around the bulbs.
Light, Water, and Support Requirements
Stargazer lilies require a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight to produce robust stems and numerous flowers. While the foliage and flowers thrive in full sun, the bulbs and roots prefer cooler conditions. This balance can be achieved by applying a layer of organic mulch to the soil surface. This mulch helps insulate the container and keeps the root zone consistently cool and moist, mimicking the lily’s natural growing environment.
Watering potted lilies is crucial because containers dry out faster than garden beds. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy, which means watering deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. During the peak summer bloom period, especially in hot weather, daily checks or even twice-daily watering may be necessary to maintain the required soil moisture. Proper drainage is necessary to prevent the bulbs from sitting in standing water, which inevitably leads to fungal diseases and decay.
Stargazer lilies can grow up to 3 to 4 feet tall. While they possess relatively strong stems, the weight of multiple large blooms can cause them to bend or snap. Providing support before the plants reach their full height prevents damage. Place a small, narrow tomato cage or slender bamboo stake into the pot at planting time, positioning it close to the bulb without piercing it. Tying the stem loosely to the support structure as it grows provides stability against wind and the weight of the developing flower heads.
Nutrition and Common Pests
Container-grown plants require regular nutrient replenishment since watering leaches minerals from the limited soil volume. Begin the feeding regimen in early spring when the first green shoots emerge from the soil surface, using a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer mixed into the top few inches of the potting medium. Alternatively, a liquid fertilizer with an even NPK ratio, such as 10-10-10, can be applied every two to three weeks throughout the active growing season. Cease fertilization once the lilies have finished blooming, as the plant needs to shift its energy toward preparing the bulb for dormancy.
Stargazers are susceptible to a few common pests that thrive in container environments. Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and can be managed by washing them off with a strong jet of water or treating the affected areas with insecticidal soap. The most destructive pest is the scarlet lily beetle, which feeds voraciously on foliage and flower buds. Hand-picking and destroying these beetles and their larvae is the most effective management strategy. Regularly inspecting the plants, especially the undersides of the leaves, helps to catch infestations early before significant damage occurs.
Post-Bloom Care and Winter Storage
Once the magnificent flowers fade, post-bloom care begins to ensure next year’s flowers. Remove the spent flower heads by clipping them just below the flower but leaving the main stem and all the foliage intact. The green leaves must be allowed to remain on the stem until they naturally yellow and die back. This foliage uses photosynthesis to recharge the bulb with energy reserves. Cutting the stem back prematurely will starve the bulb and result in weak or non-existent blooms the next year.
After the foliage has completely yellowed, typically in late fall, cut the stem back to within an inch of the soil surface. Container-grown lily bulbs are vulnerable to freezing temperatures because they lack the insulation of garden soil. To prepare for overwintering, move the pots to a cool, dark, and dry location, such as an unheated garage, basement, or cold frame. The temperature should remain consistently between 35 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. During this dormant period, reduce watering significantly, providing only a light monthly sprinkle to prevent the bulb from completely desiccating.