How to Grow and Care for Stargazer Lily

The Stargazer lily [1] is a hybrid lily of the Oriental group, developed in 1974 by Leslie Woodriff, a lily breeder in California. It has large, showy, very fragrant flowers that face upwards, unlike some other lilies that have drooping flowers. The flowers have reflexed petals and long stamens, and they come in pink or white colors. The Stargazer lily blooms in mid to late summer and is easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil.

It is a popular cut flower and a symbol of purity, innocence and aspiration. However, it is also toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure if ingested by them.

Common Name	Stargazer lily, starburst lily, starlight lily
Botanical Name	Lilium orientalis 'Stargazer'
Plant Type	Perennial bulb
Sun Exposure	Full sun
Mature Size	4 ft. tall, 1 ft. wide
Soil pH	Neutral, acidic
Soil Type	Loamy, moist, well-draining
Flower Color	Pink, white
Toxicity	Toxic to cats [2]

Stargazer lilies are a type of oriental lily hybrid that can add stunning colors and fragrant aromas to any garden. They are also easy to grow and thrive well in full sunlight and well-drained soil. There are three main types of stargazer lilies you can grow in containers or in your garden:

• Pink Stargazer is the most common type of stargazer lily that has deep pink or red blooms with white edges and crimson speckles. They have large petals that bloom wide open and long stamens covered in dark yellow pollen. They are very fragrant and can grow up to 36 inches tall with 2 to 8 flowers per stem.

• White Stargazer is a type of stargazer lily that has pure white blooms with yellow centers and green nectaries. They have smaller petals that curve back slightly and shorter stamens with light yellow pollen. They are less fragrant than the pink variety but still have a sweet scent. They can grow up to 30 inches tall with 3 to 6 flowers per stem.

• Yellow Stargazer is a type of stargazer lily that has bright yellow blooms with orange centers and brown spots. They have medium-sized petals that curl back more than the white variety and medium-length stamens with orange pollen. They have a citrus-like fragrance and can grow up to 24 inches tall with 4 to 7 flowers per stem.

'Stargazer' lilies are tall enough to be planted in the center or back row of a flower garden and can act as focus points since their big, vividly colored flowers will draw attention to them. Despite how tall they are, they are among the simplest lilies to grow and typically do not need staking. Stargazers create wonderful cut flowers and are enticing to pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.

Temperature and Humidity

Lilies flourish in hot conditions, although they can tolerate all the climates indicated in their hardiness zone range if the soil is sufficient. In midsummer, when temperatures regularly exceed 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, maximum flowering is attained.

The bulbs of "Stargazer" prefer to be kept cool, but the leaves and stems prefer full sun. The bulbs will stay cooler if you place them near other plants that provide shade for the ground or if you cover the ground with a thick layer of mulch.

Soil

'Stargazer' and other oriental lilies thrive in any medium soil with average moisture. They do well in neutral soils but prefer slightly acidic soils (pH 6.3 to 6.8). In alkaline soils, feeding with an acid fertilizer promotes their growth.

Water

The bulbs of "Stargazer" lilies could rot and die if left to soak in soggy conditions or standing water, but they need to be kept constantly wet. Every time the soil feels dry to the touch, they need to be watered. These plants need around 1 inch of water per week, either through irrigation or rainfall. It is preferable to water by saturating the soil for six inches; never water overhead as this can harm the flowers. The soil will stay moist with the help of mulch.

Fertilizer

'Stargazer' is a heavy feeder, like many plants with big, showy flowers. Apply a big amount of 10-10-10 fertilizer in the early spring when the shoots have appeared for the greatest results. Throughout the growing season, replenish with smaller feedings every few weeks. After each feeding, drink plenty of water. In unfavorable soil conditions, 'Stargazer' will flourish when fertilized with an acid fertilizer, such as an azalea fertilizer mix.

Light

Stargazers can tolerate little shade but prefer full light (eight hours per day). In shady areas, the stems will grow lanky and excessively long, necessitating staking, which is not essential when planted in full sun.

Stargazer lilies are beautiful and fragrant flowers that can add a touch of color and elegance to your garden. They are easy to grow and care for, as long as you follow some simple steps. Here are some tips on how to grow stargazer lilies:

• Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil for your stargazer lilies. They prefer at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and moist but not soggy soil.

• Plant your stargazer lily bulbs in the fall, about six inches deep and eight inches apart. You can also plant them in containers, but make sure they have enough room to grow and drain well.

• Water your stargazer lilies regularly, especially during the summer when they are blooming. Avoid wetting the leaves and flowers, as this can cause fungal diseases. You can also apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.

• Fertilize your stargazer lilies once a month with a balanced fertilizer, starting from when the shoots emerge in the spring until the end of the blooming season. Do not over-fertilize, as this can cause leaf burn and reduce flower quality.

• Prune your stargazer lilies after they finish blooming, by cutting off the spent flowers and leaving the stems and leaves intact. This will allow the plants to store energy for the next season. You can also remove any dead or diseased foliage as needed.

• Protect your stargazer lilies from pests and diseases, such as aphids [3], slugs [4], snails, deer, rabbits, and lily beetles. You can use organic or chemical methods to control them, but always follow the label instructions and precautions. You can also inspect your plants regularly and remove any infected or damaged parts.

Stargazer bulbs may be "forced" to bloom on Mother's Day or other holidays if they are cultivated indoors in pots on occasion. Plant them in potting soil with an acidic pH of 6.3 to 6.5, heavy in organic material, and at least 6 inches wide. Peat moss-laden potting soil is an excellent option because it is naturally acidic. For potted lilies, a mixture of 3 parts garden soil, 2 parts peat moss (or coco coir, for a sustainable option), and 1 part sand works well.

Lilies that are cultivated inside are often smaller and need reasonably warm circumstances, with daytime temperatures of 68 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures of no lower than 60 degrees. Grow them in as bright of an environment as you can.

The forced bulbs in the potted lilies won't outgrow their containers and won't require repotting because forced bulbs often don't bloom again, even if you put them outdoors afterward.

Stargazer lilies can be affected by pests such as aphids and red lily beetles. Keep an eye out for these pests and treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed. Fungal diseases, such as Botrytis blight, can also affect your lilies. Ensure proper air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage when watering to reduce the risk of fungal infections.

1. When do stargazer lilies bloom?

Stargazer lilies typically bloom in mid to late summer, with their peak blooming period lasting for about 3 weeks.

2. Can I grow stargazer lilies in a container?

Yes, you can grow stargazer lilies in containers. Choose a container that's at least 12 inches deep and has drainage holes. Plant the bulbs as you would in the ground, and be sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

3. How do I propagate stargazer lilies?

Stargazer lilies can be propagated by dividing the bulbs or by growing them from seed. To divide the bulbs, carefully dig up the clump after the foliage has died back, separate the offsets from the parent bulb, and replant them. Growing stargazer lilies from seed is more challenging and can take several years before the plants produce flowers.

4. Are stargazer lilies toxic to pets?

Yes, all parts of the stargazer lily are toxic to cats and can cause severe kidney damage if ingested [5]. If you have cats, it's best to avoid planting stargazer lilies in your garden or keep them in an area that is inaccessible to your pets.

SOURCES

The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. 'Stargazer' Lily - Wisconsin Horticulture

2. Lily Toxicity in Cats - Animal Health Topics / School of Veterinary Medicine

3. Aphids in home yards and gardens - University of Minnesota Twin Cities

4. Slugs in home gardens -  University of Minnesota Twin Cities

5. Lovely Lilies and Curious Cats: A Dangerous Combination - U.S Food & Drug Administration