Stargazer lilies are a popular garden choice, admired for their striking appearance and strong fragrance. They bring a vibrant display to any landscape and are also favored as cut flowers. Their dramatic blooms and straightforward care make them a rewarding addition for many home gardeners.
Stargazer Lily Characteristics
Stargazer lilies (Lilium orientalis ‘Stargazer’) are known for their distinctive upward-facing, bowl-shaped flowers, which typically bloom in mid to late summer. The petals often feature a vibrant mix of pink, red, and white hues, adorned with dark speckles and white edges. These showy blooms can reach up to 8 inches in diameter. Each stem can produce multiple flowers, ranging from 4 to 12 blooms per stalk.
The plant itself can grow to a height of 2 to 4 feet, though some varieties may reach up to 6 feet tall. Stargazer lilies are also highly prized for their potent, spicy, and sweet fragrance, which can fill a garden space.
Planting Stargazer Lilies
Stargazer lily bulbs are best planted in fall or early spring. Select a location with full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While foliage and flowers benefit from sun, bulbs prefer cooler soil, achievable by planting among other ground-shading plants or by applying mulch.
These lilies thrive in well-draining, fertile soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). Avoid constantly wet, clay soil, which can cause bulb rot. Plant bulbs 6 to 8 inches deep with the pointy side upward. Space them 8 to 12 inches apart for proper airflow and growth. After planting, water generously to settle the soil.
Caring for Stargazer Lilies
Stargazer lilies require consistent moisture; keep the soil uniformly moist but never waterlogged. They generally need about 1 inch of water per week from rainfall or irrigation. Water by soaking the soil to a depth of 6 inches, avoiding overhead watering which can harm blossoms. Applying mulch around the plant base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
As heavy feeders, Stargazer lilies benefit from fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formulation, in early spring once shoots emerge. Supplement with smaller feedings every few weeks throughout the growing season, watering deeply after each application. Taller plants over 3 feet may benefit from staking to support large blooms, especially in partial shade where stems can become leggy.
Deadhead spent blooms by snipping them just below the flower to direct energy towards bulb replenishment. Allow foliage to remain on the plant, as leaves photosynthesize and send energy back to the bulb for future blooms. Once foliage turns completely brown, typically after the first frost, cut stalks down to ground level.
Common Problems and Solutions
Stargazer lilies can encounter a few common issues. Aphids, small sap-sucking pests, may cluster on the underside of leaves. Manage infestations with a gentle water spray or insecticidal soap. Good air circulation helps prevent aphid populations.
Botrytis blight, a fungal disease, appears as grayish-brown lesions on leaves and flowers, especially during high humidity, leading to wilting and rotting. Prevent it by providing adequate air circulation, spacing plants appropriately, and avoiding overhead watering. If signs appear, promptly remove affected parts to prevent spread. Root rot is typically caused by overly wet soil; ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Winterizing and Dividing Stargazer Lilies
In colder climates, prepare Stargazer lilies for winter dormancy. After foliage dies back and turns brown, cut stems to ground level. In very cold regions, apply a thick layer of mulch, several inches deep, over the planting area to insulate bulbs from harsh winter temperatures. Remove this mulch in early spring.
Divide Stargazer lily bulbs every three to five years to prevent overcrowding and promote healthier, more abundant blooms. The best time for division is in fall, after foliage has yellowed but before the ground freezes. Gently dig up the clump, careful not to damage bulbs. Separate smaller bulblets from the main bulb by hand. Replant bulbs immediately at the same depth, typically 4 to 6 inches deep for larger bulbs and shallower for smaller ones, ensuring proper spacing.
Safety Considerations
Stargazer lilies, like other true lilies (Lilium species), pose a significant toxicity risk, particularly to cats. All plant parts, including stem, leaves, flowers, and pollen, are toxic. Even small ingestions, such as licking pollen from fur or drinking water from a vase, can lead to severe, potentially fatal kidney failure in felines.
While dogs may experience minor stomach upset from ingesting lily parts, they do not typically develop kidney failure. For humans, true lily bulbs are not considered poisonous, but garden store bulbs may be treated with fungicides. Keep Stargazer lilies out of reach of pets, especially cats, to prevent accidental exposure.