What's eating my formosa lily?

Formosa lily (Lilium formosanum) is a tall, late-flowering species vulnerable to the scarlet lily beetle and aphid-transmitted viruses like all true lilies. In warmer parts of the US and UK, Japanese beetles may also attack. Deer browse the tall stems eagerly. Consistent scouting from spring keeps beetle and aphid pressure manageable.

Adults and larvae eat leaves, stems, and buds progressively upward; late-season flowering means some beetle generations can still damage emerging flower buds in summer Hand-pick throughout the season; pyrethrin or neem oil spray; biological control with parasitoid wasps where available

Virus-vectoring colonies weaken stems and transmit mosaic viruses — symptoms include yellowed streaks on leaves and malformed buds Insecticidal soap spray targeting leaf undersides; attract beneficial insects with companion flowering plants nearby

Formosa lily's tall (up to 6 ft) stems are especially exposed; deer bite off flower buds or snap stems at browse height Deer-repellent sprays; motion-activated water deterrents; surround bed with deer-deterrent plants such as lavender or salvias