Pink Oriental Lily

Stargazer is a well-known Oriental lily with upward-facing, crimson flowers edged in pink and marked with darker spots. The fragrant blooms appear in mid-summer on upright stems and make a strong feature in borders, containers, and cut-flower displays.\n\n## Garden Use\nPlant Stargazer in groups of three or more, or combine it with lower, shallow-rooted plants that cover the stems and help shade the soil. University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension reports that flowering stems commonly reach 3–4 ft, with 4–12 flowers per stem; it also notes that the cultivar can be grown in containers and is often sturdy enough to need little staking.\n\n## Growing Conditions\nChoose full sun for best flowering, though partial shade is tolerated. Plant bulbs in fertile, moist, well-drained soil; the Wisconsin guide recommends planting large bulbs about 6 inches deep and mulching to keep roots cool. North Carolina Extension likewise recommends moist, well-drained soil and sun to light shade for Oriental lilies. Read the [Wisconsin Stargazer profile](https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/stargazer-lily/) and [NC State’s Oriental lily guide](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lilium-oriental-hybrids/common-name/oriental-lily/).\n\n## Maintenance\nAfter flowering, remove the spent flower cluster but leave as much foliage as possible until it yellows. This lets the bulb store energy for the next season. In fall, cut back dead stems; mulch after the soil freezes in colder areas with unreliable snow cover. The orange pollen can stain skin and fabric, and lilies are toxic to cats if eaten.