What Is a Stargazer Lily?

The stargazer lily is a type of hybrid lily with a bloom that points up toward the sky. These lilies are very fragrant, and their colorful petals are usually white and pink. Stargazer lily bulbs should be planted during the spring or fall in well-drained soil in a sunny location. After the flowers are done blooming in the summer, dead flowers should be removed and any dead stems should be removed.

One of the main differences between a stargazer lily and other types of lilies is the direction its flower faces. Most lily flowers face to the side, but stargazer lilies face up toward the sky. At night, this makes them appear to be gazing up at the stars.

Stargazer lilies have three large main petals and three smaller sepals, which look just like petals. Both the petals and sepals are usually dark pink in the center. The edges of the petals and sepals usually fade to light pink then white. Darker pink or purple speckles are also usually visible in the centers of the petals.

A stargazer lily should be planted in the early spring or the late fall in well-drained soil. Since these flowers love sun, they should also be planted in a sunny area. These flowers can begin to wilt in very hot weather, however, and most gardeners plant lilies in partial shade. Shade is especially important around the ground covering the roots of the plant. Many gardeners choose to plant these lilies in containers, making it easy to move them in and out of sunny and shady areas.

Stargazer lily bulbs should be planted at a depth of at least 6 inches (15 cm). This will give their thick stems enough stability to grow. If several lilies are planted together, they should be at least 6 inches (15 cm) apart.

Once the lilies have been planted, they should be watered. The soil should be kept moist, but not soaking wet, until the plants have sprouted. A layer of mulch can be placed on top of the soil surrounding the lilies. This will help keep the soil moist and cool. After they have become established, stargazer lilies should be watered only when the soil begins to dry out.

Stargazer lily flowers usually bloom during the summer. When these flowers begin to wilt, they should be removed. Any dead stalks should also be removed by cutting them close to the ground. This can help prevent diseases in these plants the following year.