What's eating my cuban lily?

Cuban Lily (Scilla peruviana) is a robust Mediterranean bulb with relatively few pest problems, but slugs and snails target the broad strap-like foliage, aphids may colonise stems, and bulb mites can weaken stored or newly planted bulbs. In warm regions, narcissus bulb fly occasionally attacks related bulbs in the same beds.

Ragged holes and silvery slime trails on broad foliage and flower stems in spring Apply iron phosphate pellets or use a gritty mulch around the collar; hand-pick in the evening

Clusters of small insects on stems and flower stalks; sticky honeydew and possible sooty mould Remove by hand or with a water jet; use neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; encourage natural predators such as ladybirds

Soft, corky or rotting patches on bulb scales; stunted growth and failure to flower Inspect bulbs before planting; discard any soft or damaged bulbs; ensure good drainage; store bulbs in dry, cool conditions