‘Stargazer’ is the original. Its flower petals are white at the margins, intensifying to deep pink toward the center, with red freckles near the throat of the flower.
Source: When You Garden
Why should you choose Stargazer Lily?
Stargazer lilies are easy-to-grow perennials that do well in hot dry areas where tough plants can struggle. C To prolong the blooming season of your garden, alternate them with peonies, daisies and gladiolus; Or mix them with star anise, lingzhi and Susan’s black iris for a summertime treat. In addition to striking color in your garden, they also make beautiful cut flowers.
How to Grow Stargazer Lily
The best time to plant is spring or autumn. In a sunny garden bed with well-draining soil, plant clusters of 3 or 5 bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep, spaced 6″ to 8″ apart. Plant the base of the bulb downwards, pointed upwards. Allow at least 12″ to 14″ between assemblies. When the plant emerges from the soil in spring, fertilize 10-10-10. Water well if the soil is dry. After the blooming time, wait for the stem to turn yellow and then cut the plant into the ground for the winter.
How to choose varieties and grow Stargazer Lily
Stargazer lilies are bulbous plants. To propagate them, dig up the tuber after it has gone dormant in the fall. Gently separate the small bulbs or flakes from the main bulb. Plant the separated scales in clusters of three or five, at a depth of 4″ to 6″. Make sure to plant the base down with the pointed end of the bulb facing up.
How to take care of Stargazer Lily
Stargazer lilies have a few pests. Aphids and beetles are two types of insects that can be unsightly. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects commonly found on the undersides of leaves and along tree trunks. The lily leaf beetle is reddish in color, and is reminiscent of an elongated but spotless ladybug. They consume the leaves, stems and buds of the lily plant. Both are controllable by picking them off the plant by hand or using a contact insecticide in case of infection.
Excessive humidity and high humidity can cause seborrheic dermatitis, a fungus that attacks the leaves and stems, first identified by white spots on the leaves. Poorly drained soil and warm temperatures can lead to root rot, a root rot disease that causes yellowing and premature leaf yellowing of plants. Prevent these diseases by planting in well-draining soil and providing plenty of space between plants.
