The dreaded lily beetle

Thank goodness the lily beetle is bright red and therefore easily seen against the green leaves of the lily.

 Keeping your lilies beetle free does not have to be a summer long battle. At this time of year daily checking and  killing beetles by crushing, or dropping in soapy water and checking for eggs on the underside of leaves by loosely grasping the base of the lily stem and running your hand from bottom to top.

If you see the bright red eggs, simply rub out. follow this daily routine for a couple of weeks and then on a weekly basis and your lilies should remain beetle free.

If the eggs hatch, it does get a little messy as the grubs cover themselves in their own feces, so wear gloves.

I find the process worthwhile, because the flowers are spectacular

and the Lilium Regale fragrance is intoxicating.