Bohemian Star Lily
gagea bohemica
Also known as: ["Star Lily","Spring Starflower"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial with star-shaped yellow flowers, native to Europe and Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Gagea |
| Botanical Name: | Gagea bohemica |
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":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to tidy up the plant.
- Pruning Intensity: Light; only remove dead or spent parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight in spring and early summer; partial shade during hot summer months.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun to prevent scorching; provide shade during intense midday sun in summer; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in summer; avoid placing in areas with prolonged direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; use raised beds in heavy soils; avoid over-amending with organic matter.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures; ideal range 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates cold but prefers protection from extreme frost.
Monitor temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; provide shade during heatwaves.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid bulb rot; apply fertilizer before new growth emerges; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs; separate offsets after flowering when the foliage begins to die back.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up mature bulbs.
- Separate small offsets.
- Replant at the same depth.
- Water lightly.
Best Time: Late summer or early fall, after the plant has finished flowering and foliage has withered.
Environment
Cool temperatures, partial shade, and consistent moisture until roots are established.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix; can be planted directly in the garden or in pots with cactus mix.
Hormone
Not required for bulb division.
Timeline
Bulbs establish quickly in the growing season; flowering may occur the following spring.
Tools Needed
Garden trowel, gloves, sharp knife (if needed to separate bulbs).
Quick Tips
Divide bulbs every 3–4 years to prevent overcrowding; replant offsets at the same depth as the parent bulb.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off flower stalks at the base; allow foliage to die back naturally.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; remove spent flower stalks to encourage bulb energy storage.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; do not cut back foliage until it has yellowed and withered.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after foliage has died back.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger than the current one; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Carefully remove bulbs; divide if necessary; replant in fresh, well-draining soil at the same depth; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become overcrowded; best done during dormancy.
Checklist
Check for overcrowding; use fresh soil mix; replant at the same depth; water sparingly until established.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to reduce evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth in spring; reduce watering in summer dormancy; minimal watering in winter.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is loose and friable.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or browning of leaves in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress; wilting in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause leaf damage; prolonged frost may lead to bulb damage or death.
Solution: Mulch heavily around bulbs in winter; protect with frost cloth or move containers indoors; avoid planting in frost-prone areas.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause foliage to scorch, wilt, or prematurely senesce; may lead to reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering during heatwaves; use mulch to keep roots cool and retain moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid during dormancy; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers; discontinue fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest Gagea bohemica may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation. The bulbs pose a higher risk due to their higher toxicity levels.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Gagea bohemica by dogs 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 bohemica 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 bohemica bulbs?
A: Plant bulbs in autumn, 5-7 cm deep in well-drained soil.
Q: Does Gagea bohemica require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Q: When does Gagea bohemica bloom?
A: It typically blooms in early spring, producing yellow star-shaped flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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