help with my lillies

[spritzy]

I have had lillie plants in my garden for about 4 years now. They have grown quite big over the years the only thing is this year they are starting to get a goey black stuff on the tips of them which are preventing them from opening up. This is only happening on one of the stems. Is there anything i can do to prevent this or stop this happening. It is a asiatic lilly or a oriental lilly i am not sure. I love the plant and really do not want it to die off. Help.

[Robinia]

It sounds like lily beetle grubs & the black slime is their 'poo' which covers them...you need to gently remove the black slime with your fingers & kill any grubs you find in it. (sorry! wear rubber gloves if you really have to but be careful to cause as little damage to the plant as possible).
You also need to watch closely - every day preferably - for the bright red adults & pick off & kill them too.
There are chemical ways to control them but I don't.

http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0500/beet le.asp

[gt43]

Yup, sounds like the dreaded little red beetle! I just knock them into a jar with some washing up liquid in it - but be careful, they will pretend to be dead and drop off the plant before you can get there if you let them!!

[Robinia]

haha, they do that don't they gt! I bash their brains out on a slab with a big pebble....well, it's quicker than death by Fairy suds. ;o)
Do I need counselling for my violent streak?

[bimbo123456]

Nasty beasts had my lilies last year. Unfortunately, they lay eggs in the soil so you will need to wash the bulbs off and dig up an area around them then replant with new soil. They are crafty and will hide in the flowers. Good luck

[gt43]

Anyone else noticed that they squeak if they see you coming with the brick (or fairy liquid) ... ?

[duddy]

I had them last year, wiped away poo and then used a bug spray ( not to everyones taste) . Gardeners world on bbc did a feature on them last week or week before. Apparantly they do make a noise when under attack!! Fingers crossed my lillies are ok so far, no sign of them. You can also cut the damaged leaves off with the attached slime and then squash them if you prefer. My leaves were badly damaged last year.

[Robinia]

It's no good trying to send me on a guilt trip, even if they sing a chorus of 'I will survive' they're still for the chop! :o)