StargazerLilies.nl - The floral celebrity

Stargazer lilies are young, bold, beautiful, and dramatic. The meaning of these fragrant flowers can be one of wealth and prosperity.

One of the most stunning and perhaps most celebrated lily varieties is the star gazer lily . Known for its striking blooms and heavenly scent, the stargazer is a fantastic choice for a number of occasions. Delicate, bold, and fragrant all at once, stargazers can say Congratulations, I’m Sorry, and everything in between.

The stargazer has added a new layer to the already rich legacy of lilies, which have been a significant floral symbol for centuries. In ancient mythology and in folklore from around the world, the lily has appeared as a deeply spiritual and philosophical metaphor. Developed in the latter part of the 20th century, the stargazer lily is a recent addition to the lily family, but this unique and rather exotic hybrid has rapidly risen in popularity to become one of the most adored and sought-after of all lily varieties.

Stargazer lilies are the picture of femininity and elegance.  They look amazing all on their own and they also look superb when arranged with the right foliage and other flowers.  As their sweet smell fills the air, this bouquet will make anyone feel special, loved and pampered!  If you want to make your very own stargazer lily flower arrangement, here are some easy steps to follow!

The lily family has traditionally represented innocence and purity. These motifs appeared as far back as ancient Greek and Roman civilisations and reappeared in biblical traditions. Stargazer lilies have come to be associated with these meanings, but they’ve taken on additional meanings as well. The pink varieties are also considered symbolic of wealth and prosperity, as well being as a sign of aspiration.

Of the many different lilies that are available today, the stargazer lily is one of the true stand-outs. Its spectacular blooms, which can range in colour from pure white to the more familiar shades of deep pink, can make a definite impression. Its dazzling appearance and seductive scent has resulted in a flower that can really make an entrance. Stargazers are floral celebrities – bold, beautiful and dramatic – and they’re sure to make that statement for you, whatever the occasion may be.

Oriental lilies such as Stargazer  (red & white) or  Casablanca (pure white) are easy to care for once they are established in your flower bed. Both are hardy to zone 4-9.

Planting
As the saying goes, “lilies like their heads in the sun and feet in the shade”.  Plant Stargazer in full sun/part shade in well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic (ph6). In hot climates lilies prefer morning sun and afternoon shade.  Too much sun can prematurely fade the flowers.

Plant in early spring or fall, 3 times the depth of the bulb (6-8″).  Add a teaspoon of bone meal to the bottom of the hole.

WaterLilies need a steady moist but not soggy soil. They should get at least 1 inch of water per week from rain or manual watering. In the heat of summer, place  2″ of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture, keep the soil cool and keep the weeds away.

Fertilize with a 10-10-10 twice a year, in early spring and again just before the flowers open.
The sweet scented lilies bloom from mid to late summer ( July-Sept).
They can grow 2 1/2-7 ft tall and may require staking for support.

Trouble shooting:
Aphids- can transmit viral disease,
Bulb mites, weevils and red lily leaf beetle.
Common fungal diseases:  Foot rot (Phytophthora cactorum)-stems rot just below soil surface can also attack new shoot tips.
Botrytis elliptica, gray mold-tops of emerging shoots wilt and die.

Bloom time for Oriental lilies

Timing Stargazer lilies to bloom on schedule for a special occasion can be difficult.  Here is a general rule of thumb you can follow:

Stargazer lilies are Oriental hybrid cultivars.  Start the bulbs at 55-60F for the first 1-2 weeks.  At this time roots and stems will beging to grow.  Once the lily emerges from the soil, increase the temperature to 65-68F. Start fertilizing and be sure to provide adequate light (16hrs per day) . From this point it takes 30 days to see a bud and another 45 days from visible bud to bloom. You have a 15 day ‘window of adjustment’ if the plant isn’t growing fast enough or too slow. To speed up raise the temperature and to slow down -lower the temps. Another source  recommends approximately 15 weeks at 65F  or 100-110 days of greenhouse days @65F. “Mona Lisa’ cultivar requires 13 weeks.