Lily Stargazer Oriental
Lilium 'Stargazer'
The most famous oriental lily, beloved for its intoxicating fragrance and dramatic upward-facing blooms with deep pink petals, white edges, and burgundy spots. These show-stopping flowers create an unforgettable display in mid to late summer, with each stem producing multiple large blooms that fill the garden with their legendary perfume. A must-have for cutting gardens and cottage-style landscapes.
Harvest
90-120d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
3–8
USDA hardiness
Height
1-6 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Lily Stargazer Oriental in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 flower →Zone Map
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Lily Stargazer Oriental · Zones 3–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – July | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – April | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | February – April | — |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 8 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Three part capsule that splits open
Color: Green. Type: Capsule.
Bloom time: Summer
Storage & Preservation
Fresh-cut Stargazer stems last 7-14 days in a vase when properly conditioned. Recut stems under running water every 2-3 days and change the water completely. Keep arrangements away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maximize longevity.
For preservation, these lilies dry beautifully—remove stamens to prevent pollen stains, then hang stems upside down in a dry, dark, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. The dried flowers retain much of their dramatic form and make stunning additions to wreaths and arrangements. You can also press individual petals between heavy books for craft projects. Remove stamens before drying to prevent pollen from staining the petals brown. Bulbs should remain in the ground year-round in zones 4-9 for perennial growth.
History & Origin
Origin: North America, Europe and Asia
Advantages
- +Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hostas
Provide shade for lily bulbs and complement tall lily stems with broad foliage
Astilbe
Similar moisture and partial shade requirements, creates layered garden texture
Ferns
Provide ground cover and help retain soil moisture around lily bulbs
Heuchera
Low-growing companion that doesn't compete and provides colorful foliage contrast
Japanese Painted Fern
Thrives in similar conditions and creates attractive silver-green backdrop
Caladium
Complementary foliage colors and similar partial shade preferences
Ajuga
Forms dense ground cover that suppresses weeds around lily bulbs
Impatiens
Provides continuous color and thrives in the partial shade lilies prefer
Keep Apart
Black Walnut Tree
Produces juglone toxin that can cause lily bulb rot and plant decline
Crown Imperial Fritillaria
Competes for similar nutrients and can harbor lily-specific fungal diseases
Tulips
Similar bulb depth requirements create competition and increase risk of bulb rot diseases
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Susceptible to lily mosaic virus and botrytis
Common Pests
Lily beetles, aphids, thrips, slugs
Diseases
Botrytis blight, lily mosaic virus, basal rot