Add dramatic midsummer color and fragrance to your garden with Lilium orientalis 'Stargazer' (Oriental Lily 'Stargazer'). You get tall stems topped with bold, richly colored, strongly fragrant blooms that face upward, making them easy to enjoy in borders and as cut flowers.
Plant bulbs in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Give them full sun to part shade; in warmer climates, a bit of afternoon shade helps the flowers last longer. Set bulbs 4-6 inches deep and space them so stems have room to grow without crowding.
Water regularly during active growth, aiming for evenly moist soil but never soggy conditions. A light layer of mulch helps conserve moisture and keeps roots cooler. Taller stems may appreciate a discreet stake in windy sites, and you can deadhead spent blooms to keep the planting tidy while leaving foliage to feed the bulb.
After flowering, let the leaves yellow naturally before removing. In colder regions, mulch after the ground begins to freeze for winter protection. Place this lily where you can enjoy its scent, and keep it away from pets that may be tempted to chew foliage or flowers.