QUESTION: Every year my cliveas get decimated by grubs. When should I start controlling them and what with please? I was considering buying some of the new green varieties but won’t until I can stop this grub. JOHN K, BENTLEIGH, VIC
ANSWER: The lily caterpillar attacks both cliveas and agapanthus generally from late spring to late summer. Sprinkling Richgro's Bug Killa granules early in the season every six weeks and watering them in will prevent pests from appearing.
If already on leaves, spray with OCP’s eco-neem, Multicrop’s Eco Bug Organic, Yates Success Ultra or Dipel. It pays to check the leaves daily because once they arrive the caterpillars can destroy a plant overnight.
By the way, the new green varieties you mention are truly spectacular along with the new peach and yellow ones.
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