Lilium x orientalis 'Star Gazer'

Bulbous perennial of the Liliaceae family, 'Star Gazer' is an oriental hybrid obtained in 1974 by American horticulturist Leslie Woodriff, from crosses involving Japanese species including Lilium auratum and Lilium speciosum. Its name directly refers to the orientation of its flowers, facing the sky rather than drooping, an unusual characteristic for an oriental lily.

The sturdy, upright stems reach 90 to 120 cm, bearing glossy, lanceolate foliage, a deep green arranged in a spiral. The large, flared cup-shaped flowers, with slightly reflexed tepals at the edges, feature a crimson to deep rose-carmine center, dotted with dark spots, fading towards the margins into pure white bordered by a fine greenish line. The fragrance is powerful and captivating, particularly intense at the end of the day.

Its flowering in cultivation extends from July to August.

It is cultivated in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained, cool, humus-rich soil, preferably slightly acidic — oriental lilies do not tolerate limestone well. It appreciates mulching that maintains root freshness. Very vigorous, it naturally establishes itself as one of the most planted lilies in gardens worldwide.