How to Grow Asiatic Hybrid Lily 'Stargazer'

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Asiatic Hybrid Lily 'Stargazer'

Lilium 'Stargazer'

flower

'Stargazer' is a stunning Asiatic hybrid lily renowned for its deep crimson-red flowers with white-edged petals and prominent golden stamens. The flowers face upward in a star-like formation, hence the name, and emit a strong, sweet fragrance. It's a popular cut flower and garden specimen that can reach 2-3 feet tall.

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Example Asiatic Hybrid Lily 'Stargazer' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Asiatic Hybrid Lily 'Stargazer'
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Asiatic Hybrid Lily 'Stargazer' blooms
Around Jun 26

≈ 70 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Asiatic Hybrid Lily 'Stargazer' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (morning sun preferred to dry dew and prevent fungal issues)

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Water: Moderate, consistent moisture during growing season; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Water at the base of the plant, avoid wetting foliage. Reduce watering in winter dormancy. Approximately 1-1.5 inches per week during active growth.

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Spacing: 8 inches

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Days to maturity: 70-90 days from planting bulb to bloom

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Planting depth: Plant bulbs 6-8 inches deep (roughly 3 times the bulb height); plant in fall or early spring

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy loam or amended clay soil

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand (improves drainage) Compost or well-rotted organic matter Peat moss (for clay soils)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler climates (zones 3-7) for best performance

3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Dormancy/Planting

6-12 weeks

Bulb lies dormant in cold soil; roots begin to develop from basal plate

Plant bulbs in fall (September-November) or early spring (March-April). Ensure excellent drainage and cool soil conditions. Mulch lightly after planting.

Emergence

2-3 weeks

Shoots break through soil; lance-shaped leaves emerge as stems grow upward

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for slugs and snails. Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer once shoots appear.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Rapid stem elongation to 2-3 feet; multiple leaves alternate along the stem; no visible buds yet

Provide stake or support for tall stems. Apply consistent moisture. Feed every 2-3 weeks with high-phosphorus fertilizer. Remove any basal leaves touching soil to prevent disease.

Bud Formation & Flowering

2-3 weeks per bloom cycle; flowers last 7-10 days

Terminal buds form at stem tip; buds swell and open into 5-6 inch diameter star-shaped flowers with recurved petals, crimson-red with white margins and golden stamens

Continue consistent watering and feeding. Stake stems securely as flowers are heavy. Remove lower leaves as they fade. Deadhead spent flowers but leave stem intact until late fall to support bulb energy storage.

Senescence & Dormancy

6-8 weeks

Flowers fade and drop; stems turn brown; foliage yellows and dies back; bulb enters dormancy

Allow foliage to die back naturally to recharge bulb. Cease feeding once flowers fade. Cut stems at soil level only after foliage completely browns (usually 6-8 weeks post-bloom). Reduce watering gradually. Mulch for winter protection in zones below 6.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Russian Sage Coreopsis Catmint (Nepeta) Daylilies Salvia Ornamental grasses (Miscanthus, Feather Reed Grass)

Avoid planting near:

Fennel (allelopathic) Potato (shared pests and diseases) Cabbage family plants (similar pest vulnerability) Areas with poor drainage or standing water

Common Pests

Hand-pick adults and larvae daily; use neem oil or spinosad spray; encourage natural predators; remove plant debris in fall
Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
and
Remove basal foliage to reduce hiding spots; use beer traps or copper barriers; handpick at dusk; apply diatomaceous earth
Increase humidity and air circulation; spray with water; apply miticide or neem oil if severe
Improve air circulation; remove affected leaves promptly; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if necessary; clean up debris

Uses

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Edible Flowers

Culinary

Lily petals are edible and used as a gourmet garnish in fine dining. They add visual elegance and a slightly sweet, mild flavor to salads and desserts. [source]

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Traditional Medicine

Medicinal

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, lily bulbs (not this hybrid variety, but related species) are used to soothe cough and anxiety. Modern research explores anti-inflammatory compounds in Lilium species. [source]

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Cut Flower & Floral Design

Household

'Stargazer' is one of the most prized cut flowers globally, famous for its dramatic appearance and strong fragrance. It dominates the floral industry and is a staple in wedding bouquets and luxury arrangements. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The upward-facing flowers with prominent stamens attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies seeking nectar and pollen. The flowers provide valuable resources for beneficial pollinators. [source]

🎨

Dried Flower Arrangement

Craft

Stems and seed pods can be dried for use in dried arrangements and botanical crafts, maintaining structure and visual interest long after the blooming season. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For cut flowers, harvest when the first 1-2 buds on the stem begin to crack open color (typically early morning). Cut at an angle with a sharp knife, leaving at least 2-3 inches of stem with leaves on the plant to support the bulb. Remove stamens from open flowers to prevent pollen staining. Flowers will continue opening in the vase for 7-10 days. For garden display, simply enjoy the blooms on the plant; do not cut.

Fun Facts

🌱 'Stargazer' was hybridized in 1974 and introduced commercially in 1978. It quickly became one of the world's top five best-selling cut flowers and remains iconic in the floral industry.
🌱 The upward-facing 'star' flowers are an Asiatic hybrid trait that differs from Oriental lilies, which typically face outward or downward. This characteristic makes 'Stargazer' instantly recognizable in arrangements.
🌱 The strong fragrance of 'Stargazer' contains volatile compounds including linalool and other terpenes, which are responsible for its sweet, intoxicating scent and can be overpowering in confined spaces like bedrooms.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Hybrid Mulch pH

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