Hairy Star Lily
gagea villosa
Also known as: ["Hairy Gagea","Velvety Star Lily"]
Overview
A small, bulbous perennial with delicate, star-shaped flowers and hairy foliage, native to certain regions of 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 villosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or sunny borders
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; remove dead foliage as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on tidiness and bulb health.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust based on intensity and season.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; ensure adequate ventilation if grown indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid direct sun during peak heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogging, especially during dormancy; ensure good drainage.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if needed.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); tolerates cold but prefers not to exceed 75°F (24°C).
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from extreme cold or heat; maintain consistent cool conditions during growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilization; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs; occasionally by seed.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Carefully lift bulbs after foliage dies back.
- Separate offsets.
- Replant at the same depth.
- Water sparingly until established.
Best Time: After flowering in late spring or early summer when bulbs are dormant.
Environment
Cool temperatures (50–60°F or 10–15°C); high humidity; partial shade.
Medium
Well-drained potting mix with added perlite or sand.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seed propagation.
Timeline
Bulbs may flower in the first or second year after division; seeds take 1–2 years to germinate and establish.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, clean pots, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Divide bulbs every 3–4 years to prevent overcrowding; store bulbs in a cool, dry place if not planting immediately.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; gently pull away dead leaves.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; remove spent flower stalks to encourage bulb development; remove yellowed foliage after it dies back naturally.
Tools
Hand pruners, gloves.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; clear dead foliage; avoid cutting into bulb or healthy leaves.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after dormancy begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2–5 cm) if repotting in a container.
Method
Lift bulbs carefully; trim any damaged roots; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become overcrowded; best when bulbs are dormant.
Checklist
Check for overcrowding; use fresh soil; replant at correct depth; water sparingly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce in dormancy.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; ensure water penetrates the root ball but does not pool.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during active growth in spring, allowing soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering significantly in summer dormancy and winter.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves (cold stress); wilting or stunted growth (heat stress); premature bulb dormancy.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration; bulbs may rot if soil remains wet in cold.
Solution: Ensure well-drained soil; mulch bulbs in winter; protect from frost if temperatures drop below 28°F (-2°C).
Hot Stress
Causes leaf scorch; premature dormancy; reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase air circulation; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during spring growth; stop in dormancy; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during active growth in spring; avoid fertilizing in summer dormancy or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicThe bulbs of Gagea villosa can be slightly toxic to cats if ingested, leading to mild gastrointestinal upset.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe bulbs of Gagea villosa can be slightly toxic to dogs if ingested, potentially causing mild gastrointestinal irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicGagea villosa is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, the bulbs may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Gagea villosa grow?
A: It typically reaches heights of 10–20 cm.
Q: Does Gagea villosa require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade to full sun, depending on climate.
Q: Is Gagea villosa suitable for container gardening?
A: It is best grown in garden beds rather than containers due to its specific soil and drainage needs.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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