Of all the lilies available for growing, or for cut flowers, the stargazer lily is probably the most popular. Stargazer lilies (Lilium Orientalis) are from the Liliaceae genus.
This is a relatively small group of flowers, which only have about 100 known species, plus various hybrids. But what the species lacks in size, it make up for in beauty. Stargazers like other lilies, are a great addition to any garden or floral bouquet.
If you’re interested in buying a stargazer floral bouquet, go to FlowerDelivery.com, they have a great selection. These lilies produce large spotted flowers that are white, with varying shades of pink.
Stargazers produce an intoxicating fragrance to go along with these large blooms, that may be 6-10″ across. And unlike some flowers that only produce one flower per stem, stargazers may produce 6-9 large flowers on each stem.
This makes them great for fresh cut flowers, because instead of only getting one flower per stem, you may have four on each stem (you don’t usually receive more than four because the stem is usually only cut about half way up the plant).
This means if you send a dozen stargazers you’re actually getting forty-eight large flowers, instead of only twelve. One thing that should be mentioned about stargazers though is that they are found to be poisonous to cats if ingested.
They may cause the cat to be inactive, or sluggish, and may even cause kidney failure. So, if you have a cat, you might want to place them in an area that they won’t be disturbed, or just not get them at all.
Tips for Growing Stargazer Lilies
Star gazer lilies may look hard to grow, but they’re really not. You’ll just have to take a few necessary steps to make sure your plants have the best chance possible.
First, if you can actually inspect the lily bulbs you’re buying (such as at a local nursery, or garden shop), make sure they are not dried-out or shriveled. If you can’t see the bulbs in person (like when you’re buying them online), just make sure your buying from a reputable place.
BloomingBulb.com has quality stargazers at a reasonable price. The better ones offer guarantees of their bulbs, and plants, and if you’re not satisfied you can receive a new bulb or your money back.
After you get your bulb it’s important to plant it as soon as possible. If you can’t plant them right away, place them somewhere cold and dark. But, nowhere below 28 degrees. If they are exposed to light, they will begin to sprout.
Once that happens you must plant them. Stargazers will grow in USDA zones 4 to 9, and they require a sunny area, with a well-drained soil. An area in your garden that quickly dries out after a rain is probably a safe bet.
If the lilies are planted in a shady spot, they will probably be thin, and under developed. The best time to plant these bulbs is in the fall, when the outside temperature is moderate.
Begin by loosening the soil about 10″ deep. Plant the bulbs 4-6″ deep, and space them about 12″ apart. Rabbits love lily bulbs, so take proper precautions. When your lilies begin to grow, and their stems are a few inches above ground, add mulch around the plant, but leave a little space around the base of the lily.
The mulch helps keep the lily cool, and retain its moisture. It also helps control weeds. Once the lily reaches about a foot, it’s a good idea to stake it. That way it grows straight, and is protected from the wind.
Lilies are used to dry temperatures, so you don’t have to add a lot of water. But, it’s a good idea to add water after flowering, and between long periods of draught.
A balanced fertilizer such as 20-20-20 should be used just before flowering, and after the lily has fully bloomed, which keeps its bulb healthy. Stargazers should also be deadheaded (removing the spent flowers at the stalk, which is the area that connects the flower to the stem. This allows the plant to spend its energy on new flower growth, instead of developing fruit, or seeds) from time to time.
If you would like to get a second plant from a stargazer that is already growing you can divide it. To do this you first dig up the donor lily, and place it on a tarp. Don’t try to do this while the plant is in the ground, or you will ruin the plant.
After you have removed the plant from the ground, and have placed it on the tarp, look for natural separations, in the bulb. Using a knife or a trowel, divide the plant at these separations. Prepare the soil as mentioned earlier.
To help with root growth you can add a mixture of greensand, phosphate, and compost. This will help the roots grow strong. Here’s a quick tip. If you’re interested in cutting some of these flowers, to keep indoors, or give to a loved one, leave 2/3 of the plant.
This will provide the plant with enough stem, and leaves to allow photosynthesis to occur. This ensures you have a healthy plant next year. Also remove the anthers from your cut flowers. They are located in the middle of the flower, and contain the pollen. This will allow the flowers to last longer, and also prevent the pollen from staining the tablecloth.
Horticulturalnut 