How to Grow Asiatic Lily 'Stargazer'

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Asiatic Lily 'Stargazer'

Lilium 'Stargazer'

flower

'Stargazer' is a stunning Asiatic hybrid lily featuring deep crimson-red petals with white picotee edges and prominent dark stamens. Known for its intoxicating fragrance and upward-facing blooms, it reaches 24-30 inches tall and is a favorite for cut flowers and garden displays. The flowers are large (5-6 inches across) and appear in mid to late summer.

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

Plant Asiatic 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 Lily 'Stargazer' blooms
Around Jul 16

≈ 90 days after planting

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

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; afternoon shade beneficial in hot climates (zones 8-9)

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Water: Moderate moisture during growing season; water 1-2 inches per week. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering after flowering. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent bulb rot.

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Spacing: 8 inches

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Days to maturity: 90-120 days from planting to first bloom

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Planting depth: Plant bulbs 8-10 inches deep (cover with 3 times the bulb height)

Soil

Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil

pH: 6.0-6.5

Amendments:

Peat moss or compost for organic matter Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Avoid fresh manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 3-9; performs best in zones 4-8 with proper drainage

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

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Growth Stages

Dormancy/Planting

Bulb rests 4-12 weeks underground before sprouting

Lily bulbs are dormant and stored cool. Plant in fall (September-November) or early spring (March-April) in cold climates.

Choose firm, healthy bulbs. Plant in prepared beds with excellent drainage. Add drainage materials if soil is heavy. Mulch lightly after planting.

Sprouting & Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Shoots emerge 4-8 weeks after planting. Narrow, lance-shaped leaves develop along the stem. Plant grows 6-12 inches tall during this phase.

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Remove any debris. Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) when shoots are 3-4 inches tall. Watch for slug and snail damage on new growth.

Bud Formation & Stem Elongation

3-4 weeks

Plant rapidly grows taller, reaching 18-24 inches. Flower buds form at stem tip and leaf axils; buds are initially tightly closed and greenish.

Increase watering as plant grows. Apply high-potassium fertilizer (like 5-10-10) to support flowering. Stake tall stems if needed for support. Deadhead faded lower leaves.

Flowering & Bloom

2-3 weeks per flower; succession blooming lasts 3-4 weeks total

Stunning deep crimson-red flowers with white picotee edges bloom. Star-shaped, upward-facing flowers (5-6 inches) emit strong fragrance. Multiple blooms appear sequentially.

Do not remove stamens if keeping flowers on plant (they stain); remove only if using for cut flowers. Continue watering during bloom. Deadhead spent flowers but leave the stem. Support blooms if needed in wind.

Post-Flowering & Senescence

6-8 weeks

Petals drop; seed pods may develop. Foliage remains green as plant translocates energy back to the bulb for next year's growth.

Let foliage remain green for 6-8 weeks after flowering to allow bulb recovery. Cut back dead foliage only after it fully yellows and withers. Stop fertilizing; reduce watering gradually. Bulb enters dormancy by fall.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Daylilies Coreopsis Salvia Catmint Lavender Roses Delphiniums Black-eyed Susan

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Onions Garlic Leeks

Common Pests

Hand-pick red beetles and orange larvae from leaves and buds. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove infested leaf tissue promptly. Apply spinosad for severe infestations.
Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
and
Hand-pick at night or early morning. Use copper tape or slug bait around plants. Create barriers with diatomaceous earth. Remove leaf litter and debris.
Improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately. Remove infected foliage immediately. Avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide at first sign of spotting.
Ensure excellent drainage; never allow standing water. Plant in raised beds if necessary. Use well-draining soil mix. Remove and discard any soft or moldy bulbs before planting.

Uses

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Ornamental & Floral Arrangements

Culinary

Stargazer lilies are premium cut flowers prized by florists and in bridal arrangements. The stunning crimson-red color with white edges and star-shaped form create dramatic centerpieces and bouquets. [source]

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Indoor Fragrance

Household

The intensely fragrant blooms perfume indoor spaces naturally. A single stem in a vase can scent an entire room, making them popular for bedrooms and living areas. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

The prominent stamens and bright coloration attract bees and other pollinators. The flowers provide nectar sources for beneficial insects in mid to late summer gardens. [source]

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Pressed Flowers & Dried Arrangements

Craft

The large, colorful petals press well for crafts, cards, and artwork. Flowers can also be dried to preserve their appearance for long-term decorative use. [source]

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Traditional Use in Herbal Medicine

Medicinal

While not commonly used medicinally, lily bulbs and petals have been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for respiratory and digestive support, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Cut flowers in early morning when the first bloom on the spike has just opened. Use sharp, clean scissors or pruners. Cut at least one-third of the stem below the lowest flower to encourage longevity. Remove lower leaves that would sit below the waterline in a vase. Change vase water every 2-3 days. Lasts 10-14 days in a vase. For garden display, deadhead spent flowers while keeping the stem intact to allow continued blooming.

Fun Facts

🌱 'Stargazer' was hybridized in 1974 by Leslie Woodriff at the Oregon Bulb Farms and patented in 1978; it revolutionized the lily industry and remains one of the most popular cut flower lilies worldwide.
🌱 The unique upward-facing bloom orientation is unusual among lilies—most lilies have trumpet or reflexed (backward-facing) flowers—making 'Stargazer' instantly recognizable and highly desirable.
🌱 Lily stamens contain pollen that can permanently stain clothing and skin; florists often remove the stamens from cut 'Stargazer' lilies with tweezers before arranging to prevent staining of fabrics and petals.

Gardening Terms

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

Deadhead Full Sun Hybrid Mulch pH

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