Question
Last year I planted two of these. They grew big and tall and beautiful flowers bit orange beetles completely stripped and ate all the leaves. I have noticed in the last 2 days these beetles are back and are starting to eat the fresh growth again  this year. Is there anything I can do about about eliminating these beetles. Is there a spray or powder I can put on these flowers to get rid of these pests. Thanks

Answer
Hello Scott,

Firstly, I am assuming that the beetles are orange, and not red? Believe it or not, if they are in fact orange that is good news. The red would be the lily leaf beetle.  I take it (excuse the grossness) that your beetles are not leaving excrement all over your plants (the lily leaf beetle does).

I have been researching the orange beetles and it appears that they only eat the plants. I always like to use an organic product if I can, but nothing organic will work.  The same ingredient that beats back japanese beetles will work for you.  It is called Imidacloprid. The only real caveat is that you should not use it near water because it is toxic to creatures that live in water. It is systemic, in that the plant takes it up and it remains in its tissues. Anything that bites your lilies will get a dose.  Since bees, butterflies and hummingbirds do not bite, it will not hurt hem.  I have been using a product with this chemical for years, and my yard is filled with the above mentioned beneficials.

Finding it is not difficult. It is in Bayer Advance Rose and Flower Care, which I have used. You mix it with water and pour it at the base of the plant - no spraying! It lasts for 6 weeks, while also fertilizing feeding the plant.  

As a person who grows many lilies, including Asiatics, I know that this is frustrating. You wait all year for blooms and nothing! But the problem can be solved with very little effort.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to write again.

Best wishes,

Donna