Yellow Star Lily
gagea lutea
Also known as: ["Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem","Yellow Gagea"]
Overview
A perennial bulbous plant native to Europe and Asia, known for its bright yellow star-shaped flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Gagea |
| Botanical Name: | Gagea lutea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: woodland garden, shaded rock garden, or under deciduous trees
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Loamy, fertile soil with good drainage and organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to tidy up.
- Pruning Intensity: Light
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily. Tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer months.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun if needed; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on season.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Rotate plant for even light; avoid direct afternoon sun; provide dappled shade in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogging; ensure good drainage.
Soil
moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure consistent moisture without waterlogging; enrich with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C). Prefers cooler conditions during dormancy.
Keep away from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from extreme fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth
Fertilize sparingly; stop in summer and winter; apply after watering to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs or seeds.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide offsets from parent bulb.
- Plant at twice their depth.
- Water lightly.
- Keep in shade until established.
Best Time: Divide bulbs immediately after flowering; sow seeds in late summer or early fall.
Environment
Cool, humid conditions for bulbs; consistent moisture and warmth for seeds.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for bulbs; seed-starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Not required for bulb division; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Bulbs establish in 1–2 seasons; seeds may take 1–3 years to germinate and mature.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or shears, small trowel, labels.
Quick Tips
Divide only when bulbs are crowded; store seeds in a cool, dark place; protect young plants from frost.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off faded flowers at the stem base; remove yellowing leaves if they appear.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flowers to encourage bulb energy storage.
Tools
Clean scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Remove deadheads; cut only spent flowers; avoid cutting green leaves.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after dormancy ends but before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; replant at twice their depth in fresh, well-draining mix; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; check for pests; plant at correct depth; ensure good drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning; ensure drainage; reduce in dormant periods.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone. Ensure water penetrates deeply but does not pool. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth (spring), reducing frequency in summer dormancy and winter. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure organic matter is well-decomposed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or premature bulb dormancy in excessive heat; rotting bulbs in cold, wet conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root and bulb damage, especially if combined with excessive moisture.
Solution: Insulate bulbs with mulch; avoid overwatering in cold weather; move potted plants to a protected location.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply but infrequently.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid dormant periods.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring). Avoid fertilizing in dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they ingest parts of Gagea lutea. The bulbs pose a higher risk due to their higher toxicity levels.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Gagea lutea can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The bulbs are more toxic and can cause more severe symptoms if consumed in larger quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicGagea lutea contains toxic compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and irritation upon ingestion. The bulbs are particularly toxic due to higher concentrations of these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I plant Gagea lutea bulbs?
A: Plant the bulbs in autumn, about 5 cm deep and 10 cm apart, in well-drained soil.
Q: Does Gagea lutea require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
Q: When does Gagea lutea bloom?
A: It typically blooms in early spring, producing bright yellow flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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