How to Grow Trumpet Lily Stargazer
Trumpet Lily Stargazer
Lilium 'Stargazer'
flowerStargazer is a stunning Oriental hybrid lily known for its deep pink-red petals with white edges and prominent stamens that face upward like stars. These fragrant flowers bloom mid to late summer and make excellent cut flowers and garden specimens. The variety is prized for its vibrant color, intoxicating perfume, and reliable performance in garden settings.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Growth Stages
Dormancy & Root Development
4-8 weeksBulb is planted in fall or early spring and establishes roots in cool soil over 4-8 weeks before shoots emerge.
Ensure excellent drainage around bulb. Mulch after planting to regulate soil temperature. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during rooting phase.
Vegetative Growth
6-10 weeksStrong upright stems with lanceolate leaves emerge in spring. Stems grow 3-6 feet tall, developing 8-12 leaves per stem.
Water regularly as growth accelerates. Install stakes or support structures early for tall varieties. Remove any scale insects or aphids. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly.
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksFlower buds appear in terminal clusters (up to 12 buds per stem in mature plants). Buds are prominent and tightly closed.
Continue regular watering. Switch to phosphorus-rich fertilizer to promote blooming. Avoid overhead watering to prevent bud damage.
Flowering
3-4 weeks (flowers open progressively)Large 6-8 inch upward-facing flowers open with deep pink-red petals, white edges, and distinctive crimped margins. Powerful fragrance is released, especially in evening.
Remove stamens carefully if desired (reduces pollen staining and extends vase life). Deadhead spent flowers but leave stem intact. Continue moderate watering.
Post-Bloom & Senescence
4-8 weeksFlowers fade and drop. Foliage remains green; stem dries gradually. Plant redirects energy to bulb for next year's growth.
Allow foliage to remain green for 4-6 weeks after blooming—do NOT cut stems early. Continue watering and feeding with low-nitrogen fertilizer. Cut back stems only after they yellow and brown naturally.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; strong water spray to dislodge; introduce ladybugs. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer.
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Hand-pick beetles and larvae daily; spray with pyrethrin or spinosad early morning; remove leaf litter where they overwinter. This is the most serious pest—vigilant monitoring essential.
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Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; strong water spray to remove mites.
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Remove infected flowers; spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap; reflective mulches can deter adults.
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Prevent through excellent drainage; remove affected bulbs immediately; sterilize tools; do not plant lilies in same location for 2-3 years.
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove infected leaves/flowers; apply fungicide if severe.
Uses
Ornamental Culinary Garnish
CulinaryWhile primarily ornamental, Stargazer lily petals can be used as an elegant garnish for gourmet dishes and beverages (ensure pesticide-free growing). The petals have a slightly bitter taste and are visually striking. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements & Floral Design
HouseholdStargazer lilies are premium cut flowers prized by florists and gardeners for wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and displays. Their fragrance, color, and longevity make them ideal for upscale arrangements and special occasions. [source]
Traditional Herbal Medicine
MedicinalIn traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, lily bulbs (though typically of other species) are used for their cooling and calming properties. Stargazer lilies are not typically used medicinally but belong to a genus with historical healing applications. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeStargazer lilies attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with their vibrant color and abundant nectar. They are valuable for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
Dried Flower & Seed Pod Arrangements
CraftLily seed pods can be dried and used in dried flower arrangements and crafts. The structural form of the mature plant adds interest to late-season garden designs. [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 buds show color but are not yet fully open. Cut stems low on the plant (leave at least 1-2 leaf nodes). Remove lower leaves that would sit in water. Pollen stains fabric easily—carefully remove stamens with tweezers for cut arrangements. Flowers last 7-14 days in a vase with fresh water and flower preservative changed every 2-3 days. For garden display, deadhead spent blooms but leave stems and foliage intact until naturally senescent to allow bulb energy restoration.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Stargazer was hybridized in 1974 by Leslie Woodriff of Oregon and has become one of the most commercially important lily varieties worldwide, dominating the cut flower market for decades.
- 🌱 The distinctive upward-facing flower orientation (which gives the variety its name) is genetically programmed and unusual among lilies, most of which have outward or downward-facing blooms.
- 🌱 A single Stargazer lily bulb can produce multiple stems over its lifetime, with mature bulbs sometimes generating 3-5 flowering stems in a season, each bearing up to 12 flowers.
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