Lilium regale - 2012

Wonderful I wish I could grow them but the little red beasties say I cannot.

how do you stop the red beasties andrew ~ they are second only to slugs here!!

We have all of two blooms left, the vws got the rest, Sticki spray with Pravado, it works. believe me.

I resort to Provado as well - the chief entomologist of the RHS recommended it as the only way to control lily beetle when he gave a talk at the local Horticultural Association last year

is it available in ordinary garden centres?

Yes, I bought a spray version at our local 'Cheap and Cheerful' one in the spring

oh thats great, thank you ~ is it best to spray from spring onwards ie from the time they start to grow till end of flowering?

It's suggested you should give the first treatment just as the weather is warming up, ie before the red things arrive. As it's systemic, you shouldn't need to repeat too often

thanks andrew thats very helpful ~ did it really warm up at all this year??? oh yes it must have done cos the lily beetles arrived!!!

any suggestions for slugs and snails too please??

Sticki - it warmed up here for Chelsea week

For slugs and snails, I do a patrol at dusk armed with a salt cellar

it was nice in the lake district in march and the outer hebrides in june!!

thank you, more salt now on the shopping list!!

Ive used Provado for first time this year, its brill Sticki. I just sprayed the beasties while they were amorous and did a very quick close squirt on greenery (I worry about the birds so did it late evening). Like everyone Ive been invaded by slugs and snails. We seem to have a resident hedgehog, but the poor lamb must be gorged, as he cant keep up with the numbers lol! We even see him feeding during the late afternoon..at least he is keen. Hope he finds a Mrs H soon like in 2010. This time we will buy a hedgehog house for winter.

lol... Tet I'm a fan! That's great. Mrs. H. and a family, and you won't have to worry about S & S anymore.
Some may hate me for this, but I have not had to pick one lily beetle yet. (fingers crossed and touching wood) can't say as much for rose chafers though. it's been so dry that the poor lilies' petals are like tissue paper...dry and crinkly.. sad.
These are the most delicate looking lilies. is their scent strong or mild, Andrew?

Lovely!

i shall definitely use it next year tet, thank you both;

lucky you lori