I've been observing Japanese beetle activity closely this summer, and thankfully the populations of them aren't out of control. Even some of the blooms they seem most attracted to have been able to open and develop and beautify the garden for a day or so before being eaten, and they haven't covered blooms completely like I've seen in years past.
Apparently there is something about reds that they don't like- red blooms haven't been touched. None of my reds are very fragrant though, and they do seem drawn to fragrant varieties. I had wondered if the beetles would "see" Twilight Zone and Ebb Tide as red or mauve (they tend to be attracted to mauve and lavender roses), and they did indeed devour those plum colored blooms. I'm unsure if its more about fragrance or color, but it does seem they devour white and yellows regardless of scent. Dark Desire has been left alone, and the current blooms have no scent.
