Eaten lillies!

rich_uni

Hi my lillies leaves have holes and I'm wondering whats happening? The same thing happened last year. I've sprayed but it doesn't seem to do much.

I've inspected the leaves and can't find any bugs.

Any ideas?

Zazen999

Lily beetle.

Lay down a sheet or some newspaper, under the lilies and then tap the plants. They all fall down and cover themselves in their own faeces so that you can't see them. They should be bright red.

bigmuffins

Zazen999 wrote: »

Lily beetle.

Lay down a sheet or some newspaper, under the lilies and then tap the plants. They all fall down and cover themselves in their own faeces so that you can't see them. They should be bright red.

I agree with holes being due to lily beetles but think you are confusing the adult with the grubs. It is the grubs which attach themselves to the underside of the leaves and then camouflage themselves with their own faeces! The beetles are bright red (quite pretty looking things!) and they fall down, upside down onto the ground under the plant when they feel threatened. Their undersides are black and difficult to see against the soil! Sneaky little so and sos!

The best way to get rid of the grubs is to use your fingers and squish them but is not exactly fun! :eek:

Or if you are queasy like me and there are not too many of them, pick off the leaf.

HTH
:beer:

Zazen999

Yup, just went off to find out as you were posting this.....http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/problem-solving/garden-pests-lily-beetle/

rich_uni

Thanks very much I'll head out and do some squashing.

rich_uni

Should I spray with sunflower oil too or just rub it onto the leaves?

foxgloves

Definitely sounds like lily beetle. Squished several here already. We don't even have lilies but they like fritillaries too. They seem to come out into view most on sunny days. Luckily they are pillarbox red & easy to spot, so off they come & straight under my husband's size 11 boot!

amcluesent

Spray with Provado. Sorts them out.