Meadow Star Lily
gagea pratensis
Also known as: ["Meadow Gagea","Star Lily"]
Overview
A small, bulbous perennial with grass-like leaves and star-shaped yellow flowers, native to Europe and Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Gagea |
| Botanical Name: | Gagea pratensis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Loamy, fertile soil with good drainage; can tolerate sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering each year.
- Pruning Intensity: Light.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; in hot climates, provide afternoon shade; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun in summer; rotate pot for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration; enrich with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); prefers cooler conditions during dormancy.
Keep away from heat sources; protect from frost; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid bulb rot; use a bulb-specific formula for best results; stop feeding in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs; occasionally by seed.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Carefully dig up bulbs.
- Separate offsets.
- Replant at the same depth.
- Water lightly.
Best Time: After flowering, when bulbs are dormant (late summer to early fall).
Environment
Cool, shaded environment with moderate humidity; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division.
Timeline
Bulbs establish quickly (1–2 months); flowering may take a full growing season.
Tools Needed
Garden trowel, clean knife, gloves.
Quick Tips
Replant bulbs immediately after division; ensure each offset has roots; space bulbs adequately.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flower stalks to encourage bulb energy storage.
Tools
Hand pruners, scissors.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers; do not cut foliage until it dies back; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer to early fall, after dormancy begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; plant bulbs at the same depth as before; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 3–4 years.
Checklist
Check for crowded bulbs; use fresh soil; plant at correct depth; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth (spring); reduce watering in summer dormancy; keep soil slightly moist in fall and winter.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or organic matter for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves (too hot); stunted growth (too cold); premature bulb dormancy (extreme heat).
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can induce dormancy; prolonged cold may damage foliage or bulbs if not protected.
Solution: Mulch bulbs in winter; protect from frost; ensure good drainage to prevent bulb rot.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid dormant period.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize once in early spring and once after flowering; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicGagea pratensis is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
not applicable
Dogs
Non-toxicGagea pratensis is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
not applicable
Humans
Non-toxicGagea pratensis is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It is generally considered safe for handling and consumption.
⚡ Toxic If:
not applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Gagea pratensis grow?
A: It typically reaches 10–20 cm in height.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade to full sun.
Q: Is it suitable for rock gardens?
A: Yes, it thrives in rock gardens and alpine settings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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