How to Care for Stargazer Lilies

Like other varieties of lily, Stargazer lilies are grown from a bulb. Stargazer lilies have white flowers with striking red or deep pink coloration on the inside of each petal and darker spots adorning the center. A mid- to late-summer bloomer, they add an exotic flair and a heady scent to the garden. Stargazers are one of the easiest lilies to plant and care for, and are fairly low maintenance. Stargazer lilies do best outside in USDA zones four through six.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fertilizer Fungicide Pruning scissors

Caring for Lilies

1. Plant the bulbs in the fall for blooms the following summer. Choose a location where the flower heads will receive full sun but the base of the lily will be partially shaded. Planting them in a bed with a low ground cover plant works well.

2. Apply a slow release general fertilizer to the soil once per season in the summer, or a liquid fertilizer once in the spring and again after the plants finish flowering.

3. Keep the soil moist at all times during the growing season from spring until fall. One to two deep waterings a week work best.

4. Cut off the flowers once they have died to prevent the lily from going to seed. Cut the leaves down once they turned brown.

5. Apply a fungicide powder to the lily according to package directions if gray mold is present. Remove any affected leaves and stems. Stargazer lilies are resistant to most other pests.

Tips & Warnings

• Mulch over the lilies in the fall to protect the bulbs from winter cold. Tie the lily stems to a short stake if you live in a windy area.
• Plant bulbs immediately, they will die if they dry out.

References

• Backyard Gardener
• Martha Stewart