Expert: Long Island Gardener - 7/1/2006

Question
I have some Oriental lilies that I planted last fall and they are growing. At the part of the stalk that should be growing a flower bud, there are a lot of twisted green leaves and it looks as though the lily is sick. What do you think is the matter with my lilies? I am afraid that if I do not do something soon, all the lilies will turn out bad or maybe even not come back next year.  Please help!

Answer
Ever hear of thrips?

Go buy some of those yellow sticky cards that act like flypaper and see if you have a lot of thrips near your Oriental lilies. Blue cards are even better if you can find them - they target thrips specifically, and altho I hate to say it, it sure does sound like they found your Oriental lilies this summer.

Sounds to me like you have one of those textbook thrips cases - deformed flowers and leaves? Say your prayers - or fight back.

And believe me, the sooner you get rid of them, the better. Because once flowers open, it becomes much, much harder to control them.

Best news of all: Ladybugs (Hippodamia convergens) will be delighted to devour all the thrips in your garden, as well as aphids, fungus gnats and a lot of other insects intent on producing a flowering malfunction in your garden.

Ditto Lacewings (Chrysoperla rufilabris).

You can purchase these from Gardens Alive (www.gardensalive.com) and many other organic suppliers on the internet.  On Long Island you can buy Ladybugs are Hicks Nursery on Jericho Turnpike in Westbury.  Get some tomorrow while they are in stock.  Any more questions, I'm here.

Thanks for writing.