Lilium 'Star Gazer'

ORIENTAL LILY
Family: Liliaceae
Pronounced: LEE-lee-um

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Bulbs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All (maritime PNW zones).
USDA zones: 4-8.
Mature size:
Height: 3-5 feet (1-1.5 m).
Flowering period:
End of July to first of August.
Flowering attributes:
Red, star-shaped flower with tepals recurved at the tips and highly fragrant!
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Humus rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
In spring, when lilies are at the spear stage of growth (like asparagus), fertilize with a complete organic fertilizer. Do not feed again for the rest of the year; excessive fertilizing can promote disease and soft growth.
Propagation Methods:
As soon as the foliage dies back, dig bulbs and remove scales, bulbils and offsets from bulb; immediately replant.
Pruning Methods:
Remove dried stems only after foliage dies back.

 

Rainy Side Notes

I believe this was one of the first Oriental lilies I grew 20 years before the turn of the century. I was amazed at the fragrance the first time this lily flowered for me. The scent brought memories back to a time when I lived in Hawaii. I would go out to the garden, pick a gardenia blossom, and bring it inside. The perfume of the blossom would permeate the whole house. Similarly, L. 'Star Gazer' picked and brought into the house sends its lovely fragrance to every corner of the home.

Cut flowers when the first flower is first opening. The flower lasts from 5-9 days in the vase. Pull the pollen sacks off when the flower opens to keep pollen from staining linens beneath the vase. If pollen should get on clothes or linens, let it dry before wiping it off. If wiped when wet the pollen will stain.

To grow lilies well, mulch with composted manures or compost and shredded bark to keep the roots cool while adding humus to the soil.

More Liliums.

Photographed in author's garden.