Euchile mariae flowering

[smweaver]

Flowers on this plant have finally started to open--and just in time for the hungry Japanese Beetles which have started to make their annual appearance this week. Although Euchile mariae looks very much like its cousin, Euchile citrina, it doesn't share any of citrina's scent (unfortunately). But the blooms are nice and waxy, and I like the green and white color combination. Now I just have to hide it among the cymbidiums and hope that the beetles won't be able to spot it.

Updated 7/18/08 All of the flowers have now opened. And I was wrong about there being no scent. Although it's faint, it is discernible: a very light rose scent.

[tuvoc]

Wow, what a great looking flower, and the plant looks very happy! Great going.

Kim

[cowboy51278]

Ok, now thats going on my wish list! Great growing!

[snow]

wow! an awsome looking plant.

[DebsC]

If the beetles have good taste, they'll straight for that beauty!!! Good luck hiding it from them.

[kiki-do]

You know, I battle beetles all the time in my perennial gardens. I have a small tupperware container with some water and a little dish soap and carry it with me through the gardens every other day. I hand pick the beetles and put into the container. They can't fly out. I've tried sprays of all kinds with no real luck. That's the only way I can rid my beautiful plants of those awful pests. Yes, a definite pain in the butt, but only lasts a couple weeks then they don't seem to bother coming anymore. Just my

[smweaver]

Thanks, Kiki, for the tip regarding the dish soap. Out of exasperation last year I gave in and put out one of those Japanese Beetle traps from the local garden center. After seeing how many beetles it caught the first day--and every day thereafter for the two weeks I had it in the back yard--I got quite depressed and conceded defeat. The only joy I got from the experience was taking the full bag of beetles to the pond behind my house every morning and dumping them into the water. The ones that didn't fly away were quickly gobbled up by a mother duck and her babies. Unfortunately, the "duck remedy" (although fun) isn't all that efficient. I might give your container-of-soap idea a try. But I have a feeling that it's still going to be a losing battle. Thanks again for the tip. It is appreciated.

Steve

[Cookiemonster]

Ohhh beautiful looks similar to Siam Jade ! lovely!

[Don Perusse]

I would like to see it when all three spikes are in bloom. I love the way the flowers are high on the spikes. Very nice.

[Chubidubi]

It's sooooooo lovely.