What's eating my crown imperial?

Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis) is naturally deer- and rabbit-resistant due to its pungent foxy odour, but lily beetles are a serious threat, with both adults and larvae devouring foliage and flower heads. Aphids cluster on stems. Narcissus bulb fly attacks large bulbs. Fritillary bulbs can also rot in wet soil, encouraging secondary pest damage.

Bright red adults and larva-covered-in-excrement grubs eat leaves, buds, and stems rapidly, leaving plants stripped Check plants daily from spring; hand-pick adults and larvae (hold a container beneath to catch falling beetles); squash egg clusters on leaf undersides; use pyrethrum or thiacloprid spray for severe infestations

Larva tunnels into the large bulb causing rotting and failure to re-emerge the following year Cover foliage in late spring with fleece or fine mesh to prevent egg-laying; lift and destroy any hollow, soft, or foul-smelling bulbs

Dense colonies on flower stems and leaves; honeydew, sooty mould, and distorted growth Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; use a strong water jet to dislodge colonies