Q: Dear Daisy,

I’ve got some lupine troubles. First is these creatures. I assume they’re aphids? Short of unleashing a lady bug army on them, what would you recommend? They were coating the flower stocks (barf)! I first noticed them last year, and they’re back this spring with a vengeance.

Second is … well, they keep changing colors. The two photos below show one plant – the same plant in both photos – two years apart.

A second plant (see photos below) started out a creamy white color and has been pink the last few years, and now even has some purple in the mix, too!

What would cause the color change? Soil? Reversion? Fascinating!

A: Let's answer number two first. You have seeded, planted or received Russell’s hybrid lupines multicolor. Most folks love them. They liberally self-sow, so they will both come up in other places and in various rainbow colors!! If you’re not a fan of a particular color grab the seed pods as they develop and give them away.

The first question is a problem. Lupines are susceptible to aphids. Use soap and water and/or neem oil on the plant. Remove the dead and dying flowers and stalks and then let the beneficial insects at them. BUT before you do this work, the best resources I know are at UVM. If you’re ever unsure, capture some of the pests, take a photograph and send it here: https://www.uvm.edu/extension/mastergardener/garden-helpline. I’m a master gardener intern and find this service helpful!

Have a plant question for Daisy? Email them to [email protected].