Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 7/26/2006

Question
Hello - I was given a Stargazer Lily a few weeks ago, I've left it in the plastic pot and it's doing extremely well. I awoke this morning to 6 blooms that were not there last night :) My question is, we recently moved to the Central Okanagan, in BC Canada. The average temp in the summer is 36C, (96F)however in the winter in can dip down to -15C (5F)for a few weeks. We are classified as semi arid desert for the region. I have no idea how to or what to do to protect the bulb? Once it stops flowering, should I plant the bulb in the fall in the ground, or bring the plastic pot indoors ie: garage?

Answer
Great plant isn't it ?

Keep the plant in the pot for now and water it well. Give it morning sun but protect from hot, harsh midday and afternoon sun.

After the blooms die, cut the flowers off, but let the main flower stem stay. Continue to water and fertilize and in fall after the stem dies back, you can remove it (this may not happen until after first frost). The longer the stem with green leaves stay, the better the bulb will be for next year.

In your area, your best bet is to plant the lily outdoors in a sheltered spot. Preferably one which get atleast half day sun. It can take full sun, but they do not like extreme temperatures, so I recommend planting where it receives shade in the afternoon. Also, make sure the plant the bulbs deep enough (8-10" deep) and mix in plenty of compost in the planting hole.

I also recommend that you fertilize the bulb two-three times during the growing season: early spring, early summer and early fall.

The most important items to remember is:
- protect from very harsh sun/extreme temperatures
- plant deep enough (8-10")
- remove spent flowers and leave stem w/leaves for entire season.

The bulb should be planted in soil which drains well. If water collects in that area, it is not a good place (the bulb will rot).

Otherwise, the lilies should be hardy to -15C (provided they are planted as above). Your main task is going to be protecting the plant from hard sun in summer. Plant in partial shade (afternoon protection) with plenty of water, well draining, well amended soil.

Good luck