What's eating my showy japanese lily?

Showy Japanese lily (Lilium speciosum) is a late-season Oriental lily fully susceptible to the scarlet lily beetle, which attacks from early spring through summer. Aphid-transmitted viruses are a long-term threat to bulb quality. Slugs may nip emerging shoots in spring. Regular inspection and early intervention protect this showpiece plant.

Frass-coated larvae eat leaves and developing buds from April onwards; severe infestations leave bare stems and no flowers Hand-pick adults and larvae into soapy water; apply pyrethrin or neem oil spray at weekly intervals during peak activity

Virus-vectoring aphids cause mottled, yellowing foliage and stunted flower spikes; plants look healthy until virus symptoms emerge mid-season Insecticidal soap spray targeting undersides of leaves; remove and bag infected plant material; do not compost

Rasp holes in emerging shoots and young leaves, especially in wet spring conditions — damage can kill the young stem entirely Apply wildlife-safe slug pellets (ferric phosphate) or use copper tape around pots; encourage ground beetles and hedgehogs