I've just placed an order for an assortment of lilies but am wondering if you can recommend something for the prevention of Lily Beetle infestation? I generally pick them off by hand when I see them but with my new order, this will be rather time consuming in the future! How do you control them? Looking forward to hearing your sound advice! Thanks, Julie

Good afternoon, We now have a Lily Beetle Prevention spray that we highly recommend to keep the lily beetles at bay. The solution is Wildlife-friendly, Eco-friendly, Child and Pet-friendly.

This question was asked by
- E. Taylor

Can you feed lilies with anything to stimulate growth? What do you suggest feeding your lilies with for best results?

We recommend feeding all lilies with a tomato feed as soon as you see signs of growth. We also recommend using the Lily Beetle Prevention spray that not only prevents the lily beetle from ruining your foliage but it can also encourage strong growth of your lilies.

Lily Beetle Prevention (SKU17972)

This question was asked by
- B. Cormack

Would it not be a good idea to remind people to look out for the damned Lily Beetles on Fritillaries. My fritillaria meleagris have been attacked by the beetle for the last two years, and I now keep a close eye on them as soon as the leaves appear.

Hello there,
Thanks for your feedback. I do mention about the Lily Beetle on Fritillarias on the 'Care & Planting Guide' on our website but maybe I should add it to the individual product pages also. Thanks for the tip! Have you tried our Lily Beetle Prevention Spray for your Fritillaria?

Lily Beetle Prevention (SKU17972)

This question was asked by
- Ally

Dear Harts Nursery, Congratulations on your gold medal, which was well deserved. I watched your presentation on the BBC and absolutely loved your gorgeous lilies. Unfortunately my beautiful lilies have been decimated by the wretched lily bettle. I was even thinking about getting rid of all my bulbs after experiencing this problem for the last 3 years. The first year it was a mild problem and each year it has become worse. I don’t like using chemicals in the garden, but this year I used a more chemical-friendly pest control spray (Richard Jackson Pest Control from QVC). This only works for a few days and then the plants are resprayed. I have given up now, for this season anyway. Do you have any advice? I definitely need your advice because it would be a shame if these plants ‘disappeared’ from my garden.

Hello there,

Oh the red lily beetle is real pest isn't it?! We have been using the Grazers G4 Lily Beetle prevention spray with great results. You can purchase this spray from us online. It needs spraying regularly and being vigilant is key.

A customer once mentioned to me that they planted their lilies alongside a garlic bulb and that seemed to help deter the lily beetle for them. Perhaps that may be worth a try also.

Lily Beetle Prevention (SKU17972)

Hope this helps!

This question was asked by
- Jenny Parker

The Oriental lillies that I ordered are absolutely gorgeous but find they are so tall in the pots I have planted them in are constantly blowing over! Can you recommend the correct size please. Thanks

Hi there.
You will need a good 14-16 inch ceramic patio pot for 3 bulbs. How many bulbs have you planted and what size pot have you used?

This question was asked by
- Jenny Parker

The Oriental lillies that I ordered are absolutely gorgeous but find they are so tall in the pots I have planted them in are constantly blowing over! Can you recommend the correct size please. Thanks

Hi there.
You will need a good 14-16 inch ceramic patio pot for 3 bulbs. How many bulbs have you planted and what size pot have you used?

This question was asked by
- Len Hooper

Just a thank you, that Lily beetle spray is great, just one spray, and no more beetles ??

Thank you for the feedback! Thats great to hear

This question was asked by
- Michael Wain

Hi, I have had a very large collection of lilies for the last 20 years, but it has been devastated by lily beetle for the last 2 seasons. I have a daily routine of checking the the beetles but I'll have to destroy about 1/3 of my collection this year. I'm reluctant to replace my destroyed lilies with new lily bulbs. If I replace them with other summer bulbs such as Crinum, Eucomis, Hymenocallis and Liatris, will these be affected by lily beetle. Regards Mike Wain

Good news! None of these varieties will attract the lily beetle.

Do you have Fritiallaria (Crown Imperials)? If so, these also attract the Lily Beetle unfortunately.

The lily beetle doesn't affect the condition of the bulb or the flower, it just makes the foliage look unsightly, so you won't need to destroy your lilies. Leave them to flower and die back this year. I would maybe try planting a Garlic bulb alongside your lily bulbs. This has been reported to be quite successful against lily beetles. Also, we do sell a lily beetle repellent that you could try for next season.



Lily Beetle Prevention (SKU17972)

This question was asked by
- J. Coulson

These bulbs where amazing such a delight, I planted all 10 bulbs in one large container. Should I leave them in or take them out and let them dry out, protect from frost and replant next year. Also what is the best thing to prevent Lily beetles ? Thanks Jackie

When the Lily has finished flowering, cut any seed heads back and allow the foliage to die back naturally. Do not be tempted to cut the stem back until stems becomes hollow and brown. Lilies can tolerate very cold conditions but they do not like to get wet. So they can left where they are just ensure they don't get waterlogged. If your lilies are planted in pots, it may be an idea to tilt the pots on their side in the winter to prevent waterlog. You can feed your lilies with a Tomato Feed to stimulate and strengthen your lilies when you start to see signs of growth. Make up your tomato feed with half the recommended dilution (written on the instructions on the bottle) and feed once every 3 weeks.
To prevent these insects from from ruining your lovely display of lilies, we recommend inspecting plants regularly and picking off any adult bugs and wipe any grubs off the backs of leaves. We also recommend using the Lily Beetle Prevention Spray. This Spray (Grazers G4) will also stimulate growth of your lilies.

Lily Beetle Prevention (SKU17972)

This question was asked by
- D. Norman Meagher

Hi, Do lily beetles fly to their host plant. Do you grow your lilies in a protected environment such as under glass? Or in the field. I plant to grow them in big pots. Is there a barrier method to prevent beetles from crawling up the pot? They would be on a concrete surface. Do you use chemicals that are unavailable to the general public? If so what are they? Construct for me if you will a strategic plan for their eradication. thank you.

Hi there,
Yes we grow our lilies under glass and have found this keeps the lily beetles at bay. However, we do also use our Lily Beetle Prevention Spray to prevent them from destroying the lilies' foliage.

Lily Beetle Prevention (SKU17972)

This question was asked by
- Raymond whitehead

Where and how do lily beetles overwinter?

Hi there,
Adult Lily Beetles overwinter in the soil or on leaf debris. They start to emerge again from late March onwards when the weather starts to warm up. After mating, the female can lay up to 300 orange eggs on the foliage of the lily. These will hatch after week into reddish-brown larvae that cover themselves in their own black, slimy excrement. Once mature, these grubs will bury themselves into the soil to pupate. They will then emerge as adults during the summer months.

Have you tried using the Lily Beetle Prevention spray as soon as you see signs of lily growth ?

Lily Beetle Prevention (SKU17972)

Hope this help. Kind regards,

This question was asked by
- L. Campbell

I bought several Isabella lillies 2 years ago and planted them in pots in the compost suggested. The first year they were a little taller than the 100cm mentioned. I left them in the pots and last year they grew to about 130-150cm and the flowers weren’t as impressive. Please can you advise what I can do to get the best show this year. Thank you.

Hi there,
Wow, they sound very tall. Lilies can get taller over the years once they become more mature. I would advise giving the soil a freshen up each year and try using a good multipurpose compost like John Innes No 3 which is recommended for most lilies. You can also try using a Tomato Feed on your lilies to stimulate and strengthen them. Start using it when you see signs of growth. Make up your tomato feed with half the recommended dilution (written on the instructions on the bottle) and feed once every 3 weeks.
Do also check for lily beetle as not only will they make the foliage look unsightly, they can also have an affect on the following year's growth.

The Lily Beetle Prevention Spray will help keep the beetles at bay and strengthen your lilies.


I hope this helps.

Kind regards


Lily Beetle Prevention (SKU17972)

This question was asked by
- Jean Thompson

When is the best time to start using lily beetle spray?

Start early using your lily beetle spray, I would suggest using it as soon as your lilies start showing through the soil. You may notice them on fritillaria first and this can be as early as March! We use Grazers repellent for Lily Beetle. This is a completely natural spray, very effective and must be used frequently for best results. A plus is it feeds the foliage as well and stimulates growth.

Lily Beetle Prevention (SKU17972)

This question was asked by
- Natalie Smith

Can I feed my lilies?

It's a good idea to feed lilies once they come into bloom. You can feed them with a Tomato feed (a high potassium liquid fertiliser) every couple of weeks. Our Lily Beetle Prevention spray also is good for feeding your lilies, it will keep the red lily beetle away and encourage the growth of the lily.
The Lily Beetle Prevention Spray is all natural, it is Wildlife-friendly, Eco-friendly, Child and Pet-friendly. Continue feeding the lily after they have finished flowering to help the bulbs grow and produce strong stems and blooms the following year.


Lily Beetle Prevention (SKU17972)

This question was asked by
- J. Riley

Do you have a recipe for a home made pesticide for the red mites. Thank you

Hi John,
To prevent these insects from from ruining your lovely display of lilies, we recommend inspecting plants regularly and picking off any adult bugs and wipe any grubs off the backs of leaves. We also recommend using the Lily Beetle Prevention Spray. This Spray (Grazers G4) will also stimulate growth of your lilies. Which is all natural and eco-friendly.

Or you could try making your own garlic solution of water and crushed garlic.

Lily Beetle Prevention (SKU17972)

This question was asked by
- J. Mehew

I would appreciate advice as to ideal growing conditions for tree lilies.

Hi there Jane,
I am sorry about that, all orders should have planting instructions with them.
Tree lilies can be planted in pots or in flower beds. The good thing about tree lilies is that they are happy in any well-drained soil. They like full sun ideally as they will lean to find the light otherwise and some tree lilies can get very tall.
If planting in the garden, plant the bulbs about 8" apart. Space the groupings at least 3 feet apart.
If planting in pots, plant 3 bulbs in a 10-14" 'patio type' pot using good-quality, multi-purpose compost.
Plant the bulbs with 4-6" of soil above them.
When the Lily has finished flowering, cut any seed heads back and allow the foliage to die back naturally. Do not be tempted to cut the stem back until stems becomes hollow and brown.
After a few years of flowering, you may find the Oriental Trumpets Lily produces less blooms, it may be time to lift your bulbs and divide them by breaking off the bulblets. All the bulbs will then need replanting.
To prevent Lily Beetles from damaging your lilies, we recommend using the Lily Beetle Prevention Spray. This Spray (Grazers G4) will also stimulate growth of your lilies.

Lily Beetle Prevention (SKU17972)

Hope this helps.

This question was asked by
- L. Purtill

Hi I placed an order this morning 3007805 Would it be possible to add some Lily beetle prevention to my order as I forgot, or is it too late, too save on paying postage again Kind regardLinda

Yes of course you can add to your order. I have already raised your order but I can amend it by hand. I will send you a paypal request for the £6.95.

This question was asked by
- christine gilbert

what is your best lily beetle insecticide

We currently recommend using Grazers G4 Lily Beetle Prevention. It's all natural and and eco-friendly.

Lily Beetle Prevention (SKU17972)

This question was asked by
- Avril Collins

Do you have any advice as to varieties of lily suitable for planting in a pot, preferably with scent, that resist lily beetle? many thanks

Any of the Oriental dwarf lilies are great for pots as they are shorter varieties. However, any lily variety can be planted in a pot. If you want them to be scented, then avoid the Asiatics as they don't carry a fragrance. I'd suggest Lily Salmon Star, this is a stunning pot lily with a pretty scent. Unfortunately, Lily beetles are attracted to most lilies. They aren't picky! Have you seen our Lily Beetle Prevention spray?

Lily 'Salmon Star' (harts1106)

Lily Beetle Prevention (SKU17972)

Pot Lilies

This question was asked by
- C. Kemp

How can I eradicate Lilly Beatle and eggs from my Lilly plant that I bought last summer. I would like to buy more of these beautiful plants. I need to be sure how to control and deter them from my garden before I buy more. Thanks

Have you tried the eco-friendly lily beetle prevention spray? You will need to be vigilant and keep spraying them and spray again if it rains.
This spray is a prevention so you will need to get rid of any you see beforehand.

Lily Beetle Prevention (SKU17972)

Is there a way to prevent lily beetles, I pick them off but they are devastating them?

Hi Pearl

Lily beetles on leaves. Is the black mess/poo from the beetles?

Yes the black mess on the underside of the lily leaves is the Lily Beetle's faeces. This contains the beetle's grubs and they will eat the leaves also. Discard of them as soon as you see them.

I have just ordered some Oriental lily bulbs from you to grow in large clay pots. What is the best compost to use? Do I need to add sand as some sites advise? How do I prevent the dreaded Lily Beetle?? I can start them in a cold greenhouse.

Hi there, You can mix John Innes No.3 with a good quality Multi-purpose compost (50:50 mix). Adding horticultural grit for drainage is recommended.