Lilium 'Stargazer'

Lilium 'Stargazer': Iconic Beauty with Fragrant Flair

Radiant and unforgettable, Lilium 'Stargazer' is a beloved Oriental lily that dazzles with vivid rose-pink petals edged in white, each bloom perfumed with a sweet, spicy scent. Towering above the garden on sturdy stems, it brings drama, colour, and fragrance to sunny midsummer borders and bouquets alike.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–100 cm
• Spread: 30–40 cm, upright and vertical
• Flower Colour: Rose-pink with white edging and red freckles
• Flowering Period: Midsummer to early fall
• Foliage: Glossy green, lance-shaped leaves along upright stems
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade (prefers full sun in northern gardens)
• Soil Requirements: Rich, well-drained soil; protect from excessive winter moisture

Uses and Benefits: Lilium 'Stargazer' is ideal for perennial borders, cutting gardens, and fragrant focal points near patios or pathways. Its showy blooms bring a tropical intensity to summer displays and pair beautifully with cooler or neutral tones. Pollinator-friendly and long-lasting as a cut flower, this lily adds both vertical structure and sensory appeal to sunny spaces.

Companion Plants: Combine Lilium 'Stargazer' with Echinacea 'PowWow Wildberry', whose rich magenta tones echo the lily’s palette while providing long-season pollinator value. Add Salvia 'Bumbleberry' for a textured base of purple-pink blooms that continue through the heat. Ground the composition with Festuca 'Elijah Blue', an ornamental grass whose fine, icy foliage contrasts beautifully with the lily’s saturated colours and adds a cooling effect to the planting.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly during active growth, but avoid soggy conditions. Deadhead after flowering and allow the foliage to die back naturally. Stake if necessary in windy sites. Mulch in late fall to insulate bulbs in colder regions.

History: Lilium 'Stargazer' was introduced in 1974 as a modern Oriental hybrid bred for upward-facing flowers and intense colour. It quickly became one of the most popular lilies worldwide, admired for its scent, showiness, and outstanding garden performance.

Final Thoughts: With vivid blooms and heavenly fragrance, Lilium 'Stargazer' adds a bold note of romance and luxury to full sun gardens—an enduring favourite for good reason.