How Can I Use Stargazer Lilies In My Garden?

Lilies are a popular and beautiful plant family, with the most famous being the flat-faced ‘Stargazer’. These Oriental hybrid lilies are known for their large, deep pink flowers that make excellent cut flowers. They are easy to grow and can be used in various garden settings, including cut flowers, garden beds, and borders.

Stargazer lilies are a type of Oriental lily hybrid plant that produces stunning colors and fragrant aromas. They bloom from the middle of summer until the end of summer and are easy to grow indoors during any season. To plant Stargazer lilies, start outdoors during early spring or fall, choosing large, healthy bulbs that are roughly 6 inches deep.

Companions for Lilies include Cosmos, Dianthus, Dill Geraniums, Marigold, Pansy Snapdragons, Zinnias, Artemisia ludoviciana (White Sage), Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Nana’ (Wormwood), Astilbe chinensis var. Athyrium filix-femina (Lady Fern), Dahlia, Peonies, Echinacea, some roses, and low-growing spring bulbs such as snowdrops, crocus, grape hyacinths, scillas, anemones, and daffodils. Low mounding plants like Lady’s Mantle, Nepeta, or Hardy Geranium can also be used to hide their “ankles”.

Some of the best companions with both interesting foliage and vibrant color include viburnum, lavender, allium, coral bells, dianthus, nigella, and other plants with interesting foliage and vibrant color. Plant Stargazer lily bulbs in the fall or early spring, 6 to 8 inches deep in the ground, spaced 8 to 12 inches apart.

Should lilies be planted in groups?

Lily bulbs are a beautiful plant that can be grown in groups of three to five bulbs, spaced about 12 inches apart. Small bulbs should be planted two to four inches deep, while larger bulbs should be planted six inches deep. Space each group about three to four feet apart for optimal growth. The soil should be moist, with a significant watering once a week. During hot months, watch the soil and water as needed.

Care for lily gardens involves mulching during fall and winter, fertilizing the garden in early spring, and removing dead flower heads to give the plant energy for the next season. It is important not to remove leaves, as doing so may prevent the bulb from blooming the following year. If cutting lilies for flower arrangements, cut a bit of foliage from the stem, increasing the likelihood of the bulbs not reblooming the next year.

It is recommended to dig up and divide lily bulbs every three or four years, replant them in new patterns and holes, and extend the existing lily garden area.

What pairs well with Stargazer Lilies?

Lilies thrive in shallow-rooted plants, which help keep their roots cool and maintain their beauty. Annuals with shallow roots are ideal for pairing with Lilies, while perennials like Peonies, Irises, and Columbines look lovely alongside them. To ensure Lilies thrive, it is important to choose low-growing companions, such as snowdrops, crocus, grape hyacinths, scillas, anemones, and daffodils, which will reinforce the beauty of Lilies’ blooms and extend the flowering season of your mixed border.

Surrounding Lilies with plants that are not too aggressive or invasive is recommended, but don’t crowd them too close. Maintain good air circulation to prevent fungus diseases like botrytis. A wide range of companion plants will bring out the best qualities of Lilies and share their space with a serene balance. Most Lilies thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, but some varieties prefer partial shade. They also thrive in slightly acidic soil, but very alkaline soils may preclude some.

Texture, color, and form are also important when selecting companion plants. Blue and purple-flowering perennial plants like Salvia and Echinops make favorite neighbors due to their colors. Plants with gray foliage or deep green ferns can effectively accent Lilies’ beauty. Lilies provide an effective contrast against brown-leaved shrubs (Corylus maxima ‘Purpurea’), blue-flowering shrubs (Caryopteris clandonensis, Hibiscus syriacus ‘Coelestis’, and Ceanothus ‘Gloire de Versailles’), and with many companion plants to pair with, you will find several combinations that will enhance your landscape and please your eye.

Do stargazer lilies come back every year?

Lilies, like most true lilies, die back to the ground in winter and send up new stems each spring. They can grow up to 6 feet tall and have strong stems that rarely need staking. In mid-summer, 4-12 flowers are produced on each stem, with this hybrid blooming earlier than many other Oriental lilies. The flowers are an elegant combination of pink, red, and white with reflexed tips and long stamens with heavy orange anthers. The crimson tepals are edged in pink and spotted with darker red. The satiny flowers have a strong, pleasant fragrance and make excellent cut flowers.

To ensure the plant’s energy is directed back into the bulb, cut the stem just below the inflorescence, leaving as much foliage as possible. This lily is a great addition to both formal and informal gardens, combined with roses and many other flowers. For the best effect, place them in groups of 3-5 or more. Lilies do well grown with other low, shallow-rooted plants that help hide the sometimes bare lower stems and keep the roots cool.

One suggestion is to combine the purple spikes of Agastache with the pink lily flowers. This hybrid can also be grown in containers and is fairly easy to force. The bulbs should be planted deeply in the container and overplanted with annuals.

Where is the best place to plant lilies in your yard?

Lily bulbs are suitable for planting in both fall and spring, and should be planted immediately or stored in a cool, dark space if not immediately available. Lilies grow as single or multiple unbranched stems from the bulb, with flowers held in clusters at the top or borne along the stem in some species. They come in various flower colors and can be trumpet-shaped, recurved, or open. Lilies are grown for their flowers, making them ideal for growing in between other fuller perennials and shrubs.

Staking is necessary for Oriental hybrids with large heavy blooms and 3-8 foot tall stems, while Asiatic hybrids form self-supporting clumps over time. Growing lilies through other shrubs provides a natural framework for the plant while hiding its legs.

How much space do stargazer lilies need?

Plant Stargazer lilies in a sunny garden bed with well-drained soil in spring or fall. Space clusters of three or five bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep, 6″ to 8″ apart, with the root side down, pointy side up. Allow 12″ to 14″ between clusters. Feed the plants with 10-10-10 fertilizer when they emerge from the soil in spring. Water deeply if the soil becomes dry. After bloom, wait for the stems to turn yellow before cutting the plants to the ground for winter.

Stargazer lilies are bulb plants, so dig up the bulb after it has gone dormant in fall and gently separate the small bulbs from the main bulb. Plant the separated scales in clusters of three or five, planting the root side down with the pointy end of the bulb up.

Stargazer lilies have pests, aphids and lily leaf beetles, which can cause unsightly damage. Controllable by hand or using a contact insecticide, these insects can damage the plant.

What not to plant near lilies?

To ensure the health and longevity of your lily plants, avoid using ivy and other ground covers that quickly form dense mats, as they can choke out your bulbs and provide hiding places for mollusks. Instead, choose plants that do not grow taller than the listed height for each lily cultivar, be mindful of watering needs, and avoid climbing plants that may strangle your stems.

Alyssum (Lobularia) Cosmos, Dahlia, Dianthus barbatus, Geranium (Pelargonium), Marigold (Tagetes), Nigella (Love in a mist), Pansy (great in coastal areas), Poppies (Papaver), Penstemon, Primrose (Primula), Snapdragons (old standard types can overwhelm if planted too close, but many are perennial in your area if planted in well-drained soil or under the eves of the house). Violets (Viola) are also great in coastal areas, and Zinnia (shorter varieties) are a great choice for lily plants.

In summary, it is essential to choose plants that do not require a lot of water, such as Alyssum (Lobularia), Cosmos (Sonata Series), Dahlia (Dianthus barbatus), Geranium (Pelargonium), Marigold (Tagetes), Nigella (Love in a mist), Pansy (Papaver), Poppies (Papaver), Penstemon (Primula), Snapdragons (old standard types can overwhelm if planted too close), Violets (Viola), and Zinnia (Zinnia).

Where is the best place to plant Stargazer Lilies?

Stargazers are Oriental lilies that thrive in full sun, part shade, and moderate soil with average moisture. They prefer morning light and can be sown in shady locations. They thrive in slightly acidic soils (pH 6. 3 to 6. 8) but can grow in neutral soils. Acid fertilizers help them thrive in alkaline soils. To maintain their growth, Stargazers need about 1 inch of water per week through rainfall or irrigation, soaking the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Avoid watering overhead, as it can damage the blossoms. Mulching helps maintain soil moisture.

What is the number one flower that attracts hummingbirds?

It has been demonstrated that hummingbirds exhibit a preference for red, tubular flowers such as cardinal flower, Eastern red columbine, and petunia, which offer an efficient means of obtaining nourishment. Flora that is rich in nectar is less likely to attract hummingbirds. However, the use of hanging feeders with homemade nectar recipes can provide energy during periods of low blooming or intense competition. The most suitable flowers for use in hanging planters for hummingbirds include nasturtiums, petunias, fuchsias, and bee balm.

Do Stargazer Lilies spread?

The Stargazer Oriental Lily is a tall, leggy perennial plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall with flowers and 18 inches of spread. It should be grown in masses or as a bedding plant, spacing them approximately 14 inches apart. The plant grows quickly and can live for approximately 10 years under ideal conditions. It is best grown in full sun to partial shade, average to evenly moist conditions, but not standing water. It is not particular to soil type or pH and is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution.

This interspecific hybrid can be propagated by multiplication of underground bulbs, but as a cultivated variety, certain restrictions may apply. It is best grown in full sun to partial shade and in average to evenly moist conditions.

Do hummingbirds like Stargazer Lilies?

‘Stargazer’ is a popular Oriental lily with deep pink flowers edged in white and elegantly recurved petals. It is a favorite among butterflies and hummingbirds and is perfect for flower borders and cutting. It produces large, fragrant flowers with multiple flowers per stem and is popular for bright summer bouquets and bridal centerpieces. Oriental lilies are easy to grow, hardy, and require no staking.

They are ideal for perennial gardens, containers, or cut flowers, and are stunning in mass or as an accent plant individually. They are sturdy and do not require support, making them ideal for very exposed gardens.

What destroys lilies?

Lily leaf beetles, native to Europe, have been a significant pest since their arrival in Massachusetts in 1992. These insects primarily feed on true lilies, including Canada, Turk’s cap, wood lilies, garden lilies, and Fritillaries. Hungry adults and larvae consume both the leaves and flowers, sometimes leaving only the stem behind. Adult beetles are bright red with black legs, antennae, heads, and undersides, and overwinter in soil or plant debris.

They are strong fliers and can travel long distances to find host plants. Once lilies start growing, adult beetles are not far behind. Females lay orange eggs on leaf undersides, flower buds, and flowers, and larvae feed while covering themselves with excrement to deter predators. Hand-picking adults, eggs, and larvae is a good control measure for small gardens, while using insecticides can be effective for large lilies. Before using any pesticide product, read the label and follow the directions closely. Contact the Infoline for specific insecticide recommendations.