Gardeners grow the Stargazer lily, an Oriental hybrid, for its eye-catching magenta petals and exotic fragrance. Stargazer lilies make attractive houseplants, but they only reach their full potential when planted outdoors in the garden. If you pulled up your Stargazer lily bulbs to give them winter protection or move them to a new garden, they will remain dormant until you replant them. Once planted in the outdoor garden, Stargazer lilies begin to grow again, filling your yard with perfumed beauty.
Select a site in the garden for the Stargazer lilies. These lilies enjoy full sun but will grow in part shade. They need well-drained soil to thrive, and grow in heavy clay, loam or sand. Stargazer lilies often reach up to 6 feet tall, so they look best behind shorter flowers.
Plan to plant Stargazer dormant lily bulbs in spring or fall. If you want to transplant a potted Stargazer lily, do so at any time during its active growing season.
Amend poor-quality soil before planting by mixing organic matter, such as peat moss, into the soil. Mix the organic matter into the soil at a depth of 12 to 18 inches with a hoe or tiller.
Dig one hole, with a shovel, for each lily. Make each hole 4 to 6 inches deep and about two to three times the width of the bulb. Space holes 8 to 12 inches apart.
Lower the lilies into the holes. Cover the bulbs with soil.
Water the lilies at ground level, beneath the leaves, until the first 2 inches of the soil feel moist.
Spread a thin layer of shredded bark or leaves around the base of the lilies to help the soil retain water and prevent weeds from growing.
Fertilize the Stargazer lilies in the spring, if desired, with an all-purpose balanced fertilizer.
Your Planting Articles
Things You Will Need
- Organic matter
- Hoe or tiller
- Hose or watering can
- Stargazer lilies grow best in Sunset climate zones A1 through 16.
- Baby's breath, ferns and agastache make good companion plants for the Stargazer lily.
- Stargazer lilies and other members of the Lilium genus are toxic to cats. If you have cats in your home, consider putting a fence around the lilies to keep cats away. If your cat starts vomiting or seems lethargic, take it to the vet immediately.
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