Stargazer Lily offers large blooms in eye catching hues! Grow it in the garden and home for a splash of beautiful colors!
Stargazer Lily has garnered a lot of attention, thanks to its enormous blooms and colors! Here’s everything you need to know about growing it easily!
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Stargazer Lily Information
The Stargazer Lily, scientifically known as Lilium ‘Stargazer’, is a captivating member of the Liliaceae family. This stunning lily is a hybrid breed, created by crossing different lily varieties. Its origin can be traced back to the mid-20th century in the Netherlands, where expert horticulturists nurtured its unique traits.
Stargazer Lily stands out with its breathtaking beauty. It boasts large, star-shaped flowers with elegantly curved petals that open wide to reveal vibrant and eye-catching colors. The petals showcase a mesmerizing blend of pink, white, and sometimes crimson hues, adorned with distinct speckles that add to its allure.
Indoors, Stargazer Lily, generally, reaches a height of about 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 centimeters). However, when grown outdoors in gardens or flower beds, they can grow slightly taller, often reaching up to 4 feet (120 centimeters) under optimal conditions.
One of the most unique qualities of the Stargazer Lily is its captivating fragrance. The floral scent is often described as sweet and intense, with notes that range from fruity to spicy.
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Propagating Stargazer Lily
You can grow Stargazer Lily through several methods. Here are the primary ones:
- Division
- Bulb Scaling
- Tissue Culture
Among these methods, Division is typically the easiest and most common for home gardeners. Let’s explore this method in detail:
When to Divide: Stargazer Lilies are usually divided in the early fall or spring when the plant is dormant.
- Locate the Bulb Clumps: Look for clusters of bulbs that are crowded together, as they are ready for division.
- Dig Around the Plant: Carefully dig around the plant with a garden fork or shovel, avoiding damage to the bulbs.
- Lift the Bulbs: Gently lift the bulbs from the ground and shake off any excess soil.
- Separate the Bulbs: Separate individual bulbs by hand, making sure that each one has some roots attached.
- Inspect for Health: Discard any bulbs that look diseased or damaged.
- Prepare the Planting Site: Choose a well-drained location with proper sun exposure and prepare the soil with compost or other organic matter.
- Replant the Bulbs: Plant the separated bulbs at a depth of about three times their height, and space them 8 to 12 inches apart.
- Water Well: Water the newly planted bulbs thoroughly to help them settle in.
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Best Container Size for Growing Stargazer Lily
Choose a container that is at least 12 to 18 inches in diameter. This width provides enough space for the bulbs to spread and grow without becoming overcrowded for 3-4 years.
Requirements for Growing Stargazer Lily
Location
Stargazer Lily thrives in full sun for around 5-6 hours a day, but they can handle some shade too. If they don’t get enough sun, their stems might become too long and weak, needing support.
Soil
These plants grow well in most types of soil with moderate moisture. Stargazer Lily prefers slightly acidic soils (pH 6.3 to 6.8) but can also do fine in neutral soils. The best homemade potting mix for Stargazer Lily is:
- Garden Soil or Topsoil: 2 parts
- Coarse Sand: 1 part
- Peat Moss or Coco Coir: 1 part
- Compost: Add 1 part well-rotted compost for added nutrients.
Water
Keep the soil moist, but avoid too much water that can make their bulbs rot. Water when the soil is dry to the touch. Do not water on a daily basis, and also make sure that the soil is not excessively dry for an extended period of time.
Temperature and Humidity
The ideal temperature for Stargazer Lily is between 68 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 32 degrees Celsius) during the day. At night, the temperature shouldn’t drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
Stargazer lilies prefer moderate humidity, which means not too dry and not too humid.
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Stargazer Lily Care
Fertilizer
Choose a balanced liquid fertilizer with a ratio like 10-10-10 or 14-14-14. Apply fertilizer as the new growth emerges., which is during Spring. Dilute the feed to 1/2 of its strength and fertlize the plant once in 4-5 weeks.
Pruning and Deadheading
Pruning Stargazer Lily is important for their health and appearance. After blooming, remove faded flowers by cutting the stems near the main stalk.
Trim yellowing leaves gently. Use clean tools for pruning and keep an eye on the plants throughout the growing season.
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Overwintering
As winter approaches, Stargazer Lily will naturally start to fade away. Before that happens, trim off any leaves that have died, and cut the stems so they’re almost at ground level.
If you live somewhere really cold, putting a thick layer of mulch over the bulbs is a good idea. This keeps them warm and safe from any pesky pests. Remember to remove the mulch when spring arrives.
If you have bulbs in pots, follow the same steps. You can also choose to take the bulbs out of the ground, let them dry, and keep them in a paper bag for the winter. Then, when spring comes back around, you can plant them again.
In warm climates that fall within these zones, overwintering is typically not necessary as the temperatures are generally not cold enough to cause damage to the bulbs.
Pests & Diseases
Pests such as aphids, spider mites, and lily beetles can be particularly troublesome for Stargazer Lilies. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil can often control these pests.
In terms of diseases, Stargazer Lilies can be prone to fungal issues such as Botrytis blight and Fusarium oxysporum.
- Botrytis blight, also known as gray mold, can cause spots on leaves and flowers, leading to decay if left untreated. It often thrives in humid conditions, so proper spacing and pruning to increase airflow can be preventive measures.
- Fusarium oxysporum, a soil-borne fungus, can lead to wilting and yellowing of the leaves. It’s essential to use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent this disease.
- Viral diseases like Lily Mosaic Virus (LMV) can also affect Stargazer Lilies, causing mottling and streaking on the leaves. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for viral infections, and affected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the virus from spreading.
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FAQs
1. Can I grow Stargazer Lily Indoors?
Yes, you can grow Stargazer Lilies indoors, but they require bright sunlight and proper care. Place them near a south-facing window and maintain consistent humidity levels. Provide a dormant period with reduced watering during winter.
2. Stargazer Lily Companion Plants
Stargazer Lilies pair well with plants like lavender, salvia, and coreopsis. These companions offer contrasting textures and colors, enhancing the overall beauty of your garden while providing a balanced ecosystem for growth.
Companion Planting Combination Ideas
3. How to Grow Stargazer Lily from Seeds?
Growing Stargazer Lilies from seeds is possible, but it’s a more advanced method. Start by collecting seeds from mature pods, plant them in well-draining soil, and keep them in a controlled environment with consistent moisture. Be patient, as it may take a few years for the lilies to reach maturity and bloom.
4. How to Get Stargazer Lilies to Rebloom?
To encourage Stargazer Lilies to rebloom, deadhead faded flowers, and prevent seed production. Provide balanced fertilizer after flowering to nourish the bulbs. Allow the foliage to die back naturally in the fall, then follow proper overwintering practices. Reblooming usually occurs in the following growing season.
