Stargazer - Oriental Lily Everyone who knows anything about oriental lilies surely knows Stargazer! Pick up just about any home design magazine and you are sure to see these amazing stars in lush array. From towering formal vases of lilies, roses and fern to just a few stems in artful glass, Stargazer’s decorative value is well known and much used. Its waxy 6 petaled form glows from warm to hot red- pink and pales to white around the edges. Each blossom is freckled lightly in maroon. It is no wonder the silk flower industry capitalizes on the Stargazer Oriental Lily’s looks but no one can duplicate its fragrance. A bridal bouquet of Stargazer Lilies will perfume the wedding day. Even one lily scents the whole room and a garden full of theses Oriental Lilies is a heady experience, to say the least.

The history of the Stargazer Lily
Until the early part of the last century only wild lilies grew in parts of Asia, Europe and the Americas. They were not cultivated until the 1920’s when horticulturalists began to experiment with the first hybrids and the Oriental Lilly appeared in conservatories as a novelty. Soon gardeners began to find them worthy and new varieties were much sought after because they were easy to grow and produced such dramatic effect. Stargazer was introduced in 1978 by Peter Schenk with the flower trade in mind. The hardiness of Oriental Lilies yields well to mass production all year by conditional forcing.

Floral suppliers fill the demand for a fragrant, long lasting yet unique flower in huge quantity each year. New hybrids of Stargazer continue to appear; the brilliant White Stargazer and the recent Starfighter with its strong white ribbon on the petal edge.

Bloomingbulbs.com remarks that among Oriental Lilies, Stargazer is said to be the easiest to grow in the garden. Like most Oriental lilies it needs a spot in full sun to partial shade. Bulbs should be planted as soon as possible after purchase, 5-6 inches deep in moisture retentive soil. They will produce in mid- to late summer on nearly 3 foot high plants. Be sure to water consistently throughout the whole growth cycle to maintain an even level of moisture.

Stargazer Lilies appeal to modern tastes because the color is so upbeat and the structured form of the blossom lends itself to contemporary settings in the garden, home or professional venues. Mixed with other blooms Stargazer’s fragrance, splendid color and graceful form will contribute great beauty to traditional floral display. Bulbs are available for Spring planting. See our list of top five oriental lily bulb suppliers.