Contents
Description
Lilium Star Gazer is a popular hybrid lily that is known for its large, showy, and fragrant flowers. This perennial plant is native to East Asia and is widely cultivated in gardens and as cut flowers. The flowers of Lilium Star Gazer are trumpet-shaped and have a diameter of about 6 inches. They bloom in early to mid-summer and are usually pink or red with white edges and dark spots. The plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and has long, lance-shaped leaves that are arranged in whorls along the stem.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Lilium |
Appearance
Lilium Star Gazer is a stunning plant that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. The flowers are the main attraction and are large, showy, and fragrant. They have a trumpet shape and are about 6 inches in diameter. The petals are usually pink or red with white edges and dark spots. The plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and has long, lance-shaped leaves that are arranged in whorls along the stem. The leaves are dark green and can grow up to 8 inches long.
Care Guide
Lilium Star Gazer is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some attention to ensure that it grows and blooms successfully. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Lilium Star Gazer needs to be watered regularly, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Lilium Star Gazer prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 6.5.
- Sunlight: The plant needs full sun to partial shade to grow and bloom successfully.
- Hardiness Zones: Lilium Star Gazer is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lilium Star Gazer is susceptible to some pests and diseases, but with proper care, most problems can be avoided. Here are some common pests and diseases:
- Red Lily Beetle: This beetle can cause significant damage to the plant by eating the leaves and flowers. Handpicking the beetles and using insecticidal soap can help control the infestation.
- Gray Mold: This fungal disease can cause the plant to rot and die. Proper sanitation practices and fungicidal sprays can help prevent the disease.
- Botrytis Blight: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves and flowers. Proper sanitation practices and fungicidal sprays can help prevent the disease.
Habitat
Lilium Star Gazer is native to East Asia and is widely cultivated in gardens and as cut flowers. It grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and in full sun to partial shade. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and can tolerate cold temperatures to a certain extent.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Lilium Star Gazer be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Lilium Star Gazer can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.
Q: How often should Lilium Star Gazer be fertilized?
A: Lilium Star Gazer should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Does Lilium Star Gazer need to be staked?
A: Yes, Lilium Star Gazer can benefit from staking to prevent the stems from falling over.
Q: Can Lilium Star Gazer be grown from seed?
A: Yes, Lilium Star Gazer can be grown from seed, but it is easier to propagate the plant from bulbs or bulb scales.
Related Plants
- Lilium Casablanca
- Lilium Stargazer
- Lilium Oriental Lily
References
- Gardenia.net. (n.d.). Lilium ‘Stargazer’. Retrieved from https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/lilium-stargazer
- RHS. (n.d.). Lilium ‘Stargazer’. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/36916/Lilium-Stargazer/Details
- BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine. (2021, January 25). How to grow lilies. Retrieved from https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-lilies/
