Lesson 4
Lily beetle — the only real problem
The scarlet lily beetle (Lilioceris lilii) has spread across Europe and is the single biggest threat to lily growing. Adults are bright red, 8 mm long. Scout daily from April; squash on sight (they drop on their backs and play dead — look on the underside of leaves and on the ground).
Grubs are worse than adults: they cover themselves in their own black excrement on the underside of leaves, eating ferociously. Wipe off with a damp tissue. Catch them weekly and you keep the plant intact.
Resistant species: L. henryi and L. martagon get nibbled but not destroyed.
Lily beetle — the daily five-second check
- Look on the TOP of leaves for bright red adults — squash immediately.
- Look on the UNDERSIDE of leaves for shiny black blobs (the grubs in their excrement coat) — wipe off with a damp tissue.
- Look on the SOIL for fallen adults playing dead — sweep into a jar of soapy water.
- April to August, every day for 2 minutes. Skip a week and the plant is gone.