Lupine and aphids

[sesquipedalia]

My lupine are being hideously attacked by a mob of aphids. What's the best plan? Should I hack them right back? Will they survive? Little green bastards

Lupins!! Bloody spell check....

I covered them in bubbles from washing up liquid. It got rid of a most but they do keep coming back. Since then, I've been moving ladybird larvae from other parts of the garden on a sheet of paper. I've only just found out what they look like and I keep seeing them everywhere.

I’d far rather have aphids than slugs tbh.
I’ve never personally known aphids to kill a plant, but I’ve lost many a plant to slugs, including many lupins!
I’d just leave them, I doubt they will cause significant harm.

The last time I grew lupins they were absolutely decimated by aphids. I sprayed them with soapy liquid and squashed others off with my gloved hands. Can you grow something near them which attracts their enemies, such as poached-egg plant etc?

I've just discovered the tiny stunted remains of mine, eaten by slugs and aphids. 😭

tiny stunted remains of mine
Slugs then.
Aphids don’t eat any leaves, they suck moisture causing the leaves to be curled and disfigured.

Soapy water might be safer than commercial pesticide but it’ll still kill any bug that comes into contact with it.

Have patience, don’t spray with soap or any other chemicals and the predatory insects will come.

Lupins are one of my favourite plants, and, every year, mine are eaten by slugs (which I lift off at night) and then absolutely covered in aphids. To the point where they bend over as they're wet and drained by them. Its so disappointing! I see amazing photos of the most beautiful displays of gorgeous lupins and I am very envious.

My lupins ❤️ grown from seed last year. They are right next to a pond which may help???

I fed my aphids about 100 ladybugs. Worked very well, gone quickly but I suspect not forever. For my slugs I’ve recently discovered nematodes and I have high hopes. Microscopic worms that burrow in the ground and feast on slugs. Organic and safe for pets.