Lilies decimated

Q: This year my pot of lilies has been decimated by lily beetle. Is there something I could use to wash the bulbs without harming them, but that would kill the grubs?


A: Lily beetle larvae live on the leaves and stems of the lilies, rather than at the roots, so there is no need to scrub your bulbs. However, you should repot lilies at least every other year. When you turn them out of their pots, you can divide down to individual bulbs. Then select the largest and replant these for next year, using new compost.
Eradicating or preventing the beetle is difficult, since the adults are active on fritillaries and lilies from early spring until late autumn. Regular spraying with Bayer Garden Provado Ultimate Bug Killer
– a systemic insecticide – will help with control. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Regular inspection of lilies helps, too. The adults are difficult to catch, but the larvae are easy – though disgusting – to pick off the plants. They smear themselves with dark excrement as protection.