Lilium Star Gazer (Oriental Lily)

Heavily fragrant, and spectacular with its flamboyant, crimson-pink flowers adorned with dark spots and white edges, Lilium ‘Star Gazer’ (sometimes spelled ‘Stargazer’) is one of the most popular Oriental Lilies. Just look at it and you will understand why! Its abundant and large, bowl-shaped flowers, up to 8 per stalk, face the sky as they open, exuding an unforgettable fragrance. Borne on sturdy stems, they contrast nicely with the glossy, strap-like leaves and barely require any staking.

Heavily fragrant, and spectacular with its flamboyant, crimson-pink flowers adorned with dark spots and white edges, Lilium 'Star Gazer' (sometimes spelled 'Stargazer') is one of the most popular Oriental Lilies. Just look at it and you will understand why! Its abundant and large, bowl-shaped flowers, up to 8 per stalk, face the sky as they open, exuding an unforgettable fragrance. Borne on sturdy stems, they contrast nicely with the glossy, strap-like leaves and barely require any staking.

  • Blooming for weeks in mid-late summer, this vigorous beauty constitutes an excellent border plant, providing striking color and contrast to the perennial border and mixing beautifully with annuals and other summer flowering bulbs.
  • It is well suited to containers and the cutting garden as it makes excellent fresh-cut flowers. Plant in groups of 3, 6, or 12 bulbs for a striking display!
  • Growing up to 3 ft. tall (90 cm), this Lily performs best in full sun or part shade and is not fussy about soils, provided they are well-drained. Good moisture is required and dry soil should be avoided!
  • Reliable, easy to grow, beloved by bees and butterflies
  • Toxic to cats (though not for dogs or any known species)
  • When flowering is over, cut back leaves and stems after they turn yellow. This plant may self-seed.
  • Plant in fall or early spring in the garden. Potted plants may be planted at any time between spring and fall.
  • This Lily is a member of the Oriental Hybrids Division (VII) which includes lilies with medium-sized to very large flowers, usually bowl-shaped, flat, or with recurved tepals. The inner tepals are often very broad, margins often ruffled or twisted and usually overlapping at the base, so the flower has a more ‘closed’ center. The Lily flowers are mostly white to pink to purplish red, some golden yellow and are usually fragrant. Leaves are scattered, usually broad to very broad. Often late flowering. There are 9 different types of lilies classified by the Royal Horticultural Society. And they are all real eye-catchers!

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Lilium – Lilies
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 10″ (25cm)
Depth 8"
(20cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden