Hello,

I run plant sales for a conservation district in Massachusetts. I have avoided offering lilies due to the prevalence of the red lily beetle (we encourage our customers to garden without pesticides and don't want to offer high maintenance plants that require spraying).

I have read a couple of reports that the variety 'Black Beauty' is quite resistant to them; some people note 'minor feeding damage'. Can anyone offer personal experience about this variety?

I'm being cautious as I think the population of red lily beetles has swung down in the last few years and everyone is seeing less damage than before on all cultivars. But that could just as easily swing up again with environmental factors.

Any thoughts appreciated,

thanks.