Lilium 'Stargazer' Oriental Lily Bulbs

Possibly the best-known of all the lilies, 'Stargazer' is a popular Oriental lily renowned for its flamboyant and fabulously fragrant flowers that face skyward. It grows 36 to 48 inches tall, producing strong stems clad with strappy leaves that alternate up the entire stem, adding to the plant's overall beauty. 'Stargazer' blooms midsummer, with each stem setting 6 to 8 large and showy flowers. Florist-quality, the satiny, crimson-pink flowers have freckled petals edged in pale pink or white. These elegant, long-lasting blooms make excellent cut flowers for monofloral bouquets or mixed arrangements.

A Lilium x oriental species, commonly called Oriental lily, 'Stargazer' is known for its hardiness as a perennial in Zones 3-8, so the bulbs can be left in the ground through winter. 'Stargazer' grows with an upright habit that looks stunning in group plantings—perfect for beds, borders, patio containers, and pots, Oriental lilies are also a favorite in cutting gardens, producing vibrant flowers ideal for arrangements. When harvesting 'Stargazer' flowers, only remove 1/3 of the stem, no more, to leave enough foliage to renew the bulb for the following year's growth.

'Stargazer' Oriental lilies love sunny locations with 6 to 8 hours of full sunlight, but they can tolerate partial shade. To keep their roots cool, apply a generous layer of mulch and pair them with low-growing plants that provide shade at their base. Oriental lilies perform best in organically rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture but can adapt to average soils. Ensure the soil remains moist and neither dries out completely nor stays too wet, as both can harm the bulbs. Deadhead faded blooms to encourage fresh flowers, but wait until foliage yellows before cutting back, so bulbs can be replenished for next year's growth. Deer and other critters avoid these hardy plants, making them a reliable choice.

For best results, plant 'Stargazer' Oriental lily bulbs in early spring, spacing them 6 to 8 inches apart and 6 to 8 inches deep.