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Aphid infestation

alexwildliferescuealexwildliferescue Posts: 79
in Problem solving
Have a lupin that has now flowered. Noticed a large infestation of aphids. Will these kill the plant ? Heard that you can use washing liquid mixed with water but don’t want to harm other insects bees etc. Grateful for any advise 
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Posts

  • UffUff Posts: 3,199
    If you cut your lupin back, now that it's flowered, you will probably get another flush of flowers, not quite as grand as the first but welcome all the same. By doing that you will be getting rid of the infestation without the need to spray. 
    SW SCOTLAND but born in Derbyshire
  • dappledshadedappledshade Posts: 1,017
    Ladybird larvae will clear that lot up in no time.
  • alexwildliferescuealexwildliferescue Posts: 79
    I’ve cut all the flower heads off, would you cut all the foliage back as well? 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    No leave the foliage. Just remove the seedheads. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    For a natural remedy, boil some rhubarb leaves in water, drain off the liquid, strain once cool, fill a household spray and spray your lupins with it.  Keep a container full for when the rhubarb has died back but your aphids may still be around.
  • JacquimcmahonJacquimcmahon Posts: 1,039
    Another plant which hates me. One shriveled, one covered in mildew and on-site sulking with a few leaves and no other signs of life…. Love them, just can’t grow them! The ladybird larvae did indeed love the aphids on the sulking one.
    Marne la vallée, basically just outside Paris 🇫🇷, but definitely Scottish at heart.
  • alexwildliferescuealexwildliferescue Posts: 79
    Where did you get your lady bird larvae from ? 
  • dappledshadedappledshade Posts: 1,017
    alexwildliferescue said:
    Where did you get your lady bird larvae from ? 
    Loads of sites have them online, such as green gardener or gardening naturally.
    All native British larvae and ladybirds.
  • CrazybeeladyCrazybeelady Posts: 778
    I may be totally wrong (probably) but I wouldn't have thought now is the right time of year for ladybird larvae? Basing it on the fact I had loads of them about a couple of months ago but not seen any recently, so I guess they've all grown up by now!
  • JacquimcmahonJacquimcmahon Posts: 1,039
    They seem to have several “batches” per season. I have had larvae hatch at least twice so far this summer. I get the feeling the adults must lay several clutches of eggs depending on which plants are best. This year they have appeared on an ornamental poppie, narstitiums and lupins…..
    Marne la vallée, basically just outside Paris 🇫🇷, but definitely Scottish at heart.
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