Troubleshooting
Bugle Lily problems — and how to fix them
Bugle Lily (Watsonia borbonica) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Corm rot in cold, wet winters
The most common cause of plant loss in UK gardens; lift corms after first autumn frosts, dry thoroughly, and store in paper bags or trays in a cool, frost-free shed at around 5°C until replanting in spring.
Thrips on flowers and foliage
Thrips cause silvery streaking on leaves and distorted flowers during warm summers; treat with an insecticide containing spinosad or introduce biological controls such as Amblyseius cucumeris in a glasshouse setting.
Prevent bugle lily problems before they start
Most bugle lily issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Bugle Lily problems — FAQ
Why is my bugle lily corm rot in cold, wet winters?
The most common cause of plant loss in UK gardens; lift corms after first autumn frosts, dry thoroughly, and store in paper bags or trays in a cool, frost-free shed at around 5°C until replanting in spring.
Why is my bugle lily thrips on flowers and foliage?
Thrips cause silvery streaking on leaves and distorted flowers during warm summers; treat with an insecticide containing spinosad or introduce biological controls such as Amblyseius cucumeris in a glasshouse setting.