Stargazer Lily
Lilium 'Stargazer'
Family: Liliaceae · Also called Oriental Lily 'Stargazer'
Floral · Summer bloomer
The Stargazer is the rock star of the lily world, a bold, upward-facing Oriental hybrid with dramatic spotted petals in hot pink, crimson, and white. Created by a single hybridizer in 1978, it revolutionized the lily market because unlike other Orientals, its blooms face the sky rather than hanging downward, making them perfect for bouquets.
ambition, prosperity, sympathy
In the Victorian language of flowers, stargazer lily means “Ambition and reaching for the stars”. The Stargazer was created in 1978 by lily hybridizer Leslie Woodriff, who wanted an Oriental lily that faced upward rather than hanging down. It became the most commercially successful lily cultivar in history and is now one of the most popular flowers in funeral arrangements, symbolizing sympathy and the restoration of innocence.
Did You Know?
The Stargazer was named because its blooms face upward, 'gazing at the stars.' Its creator, Leslie Woodriff, spent years crossing lily species before achieving this single breakthrough cultivar. It's so strongly scented that some people experience headaches, hotels and hospitals increasingly ban them.
Garden hybrid, bred in 1978 by Leslie Woodriff in California
Stargazer Lily is native to Hybrid (cultivated). It naturally grows in garden hybrid, bred in 1978 by leslie woodriff in california.
Scent Profile
“An intensely sweet, spicy fragrance with cinnamon warmth, bold and room-filling, impossible to ignore.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameLilium 'Stargazer'
- FamilyLiliaceae
- Native ToHybrid (cultivated)
- Bloom SeasonSummer
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
The Stargazer was created in 1978 by lily hybridizer Leslie Woodriff, who wanted an Oriental lily that faced upward rather than hanging down. It became the most commercially successful lily cultivar in history and is now one of the most popular flowers in funeral arrangements, symbolizing sympathy and the restoration of innocence.