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Perennials - Tiger Lily
The enclosed photo shows a tiger lily which is from the old stock that arises from a
rhizome. These were planted about 70 years ago at my summer place in New
Hampshire. They are perennials which thrive in New England. This past summer,
they were decimated by what I am assuming is cutworms. The elongated bud would
be eaten before opening. One bud was salvaged and opened, but when it did, this
(enclosed picture) worm fell out. Can you identify the worm? Can you tell me how
to protect the plants next spring? Thanks.
The worm in questions appears to be an armyworm. Their favorite host is usually corn
or other vegetables, but they can branch out to other crops. They usually feed
at night and hide during the day. They may be coming from grass or other debris
nearby. Clean up the area surrounding your lilies and make sure there is no
protection nearby. Also, practice good sanitation cleaning up the spent foliage
from your lilies, including removing the old mulch and applying fresh mulch. At
the first sign of a problem, spray with sevin or BT. Hopefully, this will not be
a reoccurring problem.
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