What's eating my henry's lily?

Henry's lily (Lilium henryi) is a robust, Asiatic-type species but still fully susceptible to the scarlet lily beetle — the single most damaging garden pest of all true lilies. Its vigorous growth offers some resilience, but unchecked beetles will defoliate stems. Aphids and deer round out the main threats.

Both adult and larval stages strip foliage and flower buds; larvae disguise themselves under black frass masses on leaf undersides Inspect plants from early spring; hand-pick beetles and larvae; spray with neem oil or a pyrethrin-based product for heavy infestations

Sap-feeding colonies on stems and leaf undersides vector mosaic viruses, causing mottled, distorted leaves and reduced vigour over successive seasons Knock off with a water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove heavily virused plants to prevent spread

Browse emerging stems and flower buds, leaving ragged cuts — tall Lilium henryi blooms are particularly exposed to browsing Deer repellent sprays reapplied every 1–2 weeks; temporary exclusion netting around bed during flowering