What's eating my waterlily tulip?

Waterlily tulip (Tulipa kaufmanniana) faces the same bulb threats as other tulips: rodents digging up bulbs, slugs targeting emerging shoots, and aphids spreading virus. Being a shorter early-bloomer, it is also very attractive to squirrels. Wire mesh over planting areas and prompt slug control at emergence give the best protection.

Bulbs excavated and eaten; disturbed soil and empty planting holes after autumn planting. Lay chicken wire flat over the bed and peg it down; use buried wire-mesh bulb baskets; try chilli powder deterrent.

Ragged holes in the low-growing leaves and petals, especially in damp springs. Scatter iron-phosphate pellets as soon as shoots emerge; grit mulch to deter movement; hand-pick at night.

Colonies on bulbs and stems; virus-spread causes streaked, broken flower colour. Inspect bulbs at lifting time; destroy infected stock; apply insecticidal soap to colonies on growing plants.