Stargazer Lilies: Oriental Lily, Hybrid Flowers And Lilium Stargazer Colors

Coined Stargazer because the bloom faces the sky, today Stargazer lilies are the most grown lily of any other variety. Lily flowers have a long standing history and have been present in many societies for centuries. The Hebrew word “shusan,” which is non-existent in present day, dates back 3,500 years meaning lily.

Ceramic pieces depicting lily imagery were found in the ancient Minoan culture of Crete, while Catholic Church ceremonies use the lily to symbolize the Virgin Mary's purity. Lily flowers have been ever present for what seems like the beginning of time.

In 1925, flower hybridization became more popular as a way to produce healthier, hardier and more attractive blooms. Up until that time lily flowers were sold in their original species. Almost 50 years later, Leslie Woodriff, an independent lily breeder, hybridized the Stargazer lily. Currently, there are about 100 species in the lily flowers family.

Of the oriental hybrid lily flowers family, the Lilium Stargazer has satiny petals that are usually deep crimson-pink with white margins and the anthers are a shade of burnt orange. However, lily colors can range from pure white petals to the more familiar shades of deep pink. Known for its pleasant fragrance, impressive color pattern and dramatic petals, stargazer lilies have become the most popular oriental lily in the world.

Stargazer lilies yield six to nine large blooms per stem. Each flower can reach six to eight inches in diameter and on average the stems reach two to three feet tall. The Lilium Stargazer has a rapid growth rate and requires a fully sunned, well drained loamy or sandy soil area. Early bloomers, Stargazer lilies grow all summer long. Capable of growing in Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, stargazer lilies should be planted in the fall or early summer. Hardiness zones are geographically categorized areas that identify a plant's ability to grow in the area's lowest temperatures. Stargazer lilies can easily prosper in cities like Chicago, Philadelphia and Dallas, but would be unable to survive in cities such as Miami, San Francisco and Honolulu.

Being one of the most adored of the lily flowers, Stargazer lilies tend to be more expensive to purchase from a florist. When delivered, stargazer lilies usually arrive in buds and within a few days begin to bloom. The vase life can last up to 15 days and can easily fill an entire room with the stargazer lilies intoxicating scent.

Widely sought-after for more than its looks and fragrance, lily flowers are also known for their meaning. Lily flowers have been associated with majesty, wealth, pride, innocence, and purity. Lilies are the most common of blooms at funerals. A white Stargazer lily represents a sense of purity and quite often are sent during time of grief to convey the expression of sympathy. At funerals, lilies symbolize that the soul of the deceased has received restored innocence after death.

The color, fragrance, and meaning associated with stargazer lilies make them ideal for many occasions. Whether celebrating an anniversary, congratulating an accomplishment or expressing condolences in a time of lose, Stargazer lilies will make a lasting statement.


Sources:
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Meaning of Stargazer Lilies. Proflowers.1998-2007. Provide Commerce, Inc. 7 May 2007. http://www.proflowers.com/flowerguide/flowermeanin gs/stargazer-meanings.aspx
Naeve, Linda. " 'Stargazer' Lilies Look and Smell Heavenly." Iowa State University Extension. 6 April 2004. 7 May 2007. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/newsrel/2004/jun0 4/jun0403.html
Stargazer Lilies. Flowerbud.com. 7 May 2007. http://www.flowerbud.com/stargazer-lilies