Lilium Stargazer - Lily

Lilium 'Stargazer' is a well-loved variety, a spectacular plant that bears magnificent cup-shaped flowers in summer. It is the first hybrid of its line to have upright petals. They are deep red, speckled with purple, and the edges of the petals are a lighter pink. These flowers emit an intoxicating and heady fragrance. In flower beds, as well as in pots on the terrace and balcony, this lily is one of the best varieties for non-calcareous soil. Fabulous for cut flowers.

The genus Lilium belongs to the lily family, these representatives are deciduous bulbous plants, having, from spring onwards, a narrow and very vertical habit. 'Stargazer' is a hybrid belonging to the group of cup-shaped lilies. This plant will reach a height of 75 cm (30in) when in flower, and the clump will spread without a theoretical limit over time, with the bulbs producing bulblets through vegetative multiplication. In July-August, at the end of the leafy stems, umbels of cup-shaped flowers with 6 petals appear and open with a sumptuous fragrance. They display dark pink to cherry red fading to pale pink towards the edge and speckled with purple, creating an elegant contrast with saffron yellow stamens. The sturdy stems are laden with flowers. The dark green, shiny leaves are narrow and lanceolate.

A plant that prefers rich humus soil, this lily does not appreciate calcareous, poorly drained, and heavy soils. You can associate it with perennial plants as they enjoy having their feet in the shade. These will help prevent the stems from bending under the influence of the wind. The lily is ideal for borders, and of course for bouquets. For your floral arrangements, cut the lily when the three buds at the base of the stem are still closed but hint at their colours.

Lily petals are edible and are used as decoration in desserts, sorbets, ice creams, and fruit salads. This flower also provides extracts used in cosmetics to preserve the radiance of the skin.