Hostas are a popular perennial plant grown for their attractive foliage. However, they are very susceptible to being eaten by slugs, snails and deer. If you’ve planted hostas in your garden, you’ve likely experienced the frustration of discovering ragged holes chewed in the leaves overnight. Protecting hostas from being eaten requires using multiple tactics together to deter and eliminate the pests. With some diligence, you can grow lush, unblemished hostas.
Page Contents
- 1 Why are hostas so prone to being eaten?
- 2 What animals commonly eat hostas?
- 3 How can I protect my hostas from slug and snail damage?
- 4 How can I stop deer from eating my hostas?
- 4.1 Use fencing
- 4.2 Try repellents
- 4.3 Add lighting
- 4.4 Use scare tactics Spook deer with loud sounds, water sprayed from a hose, clanging pie pans, plastic owls and inflatable tube men. Move them around frequently so deer don’t get used to them. Dogs scare deer, so let your pooch patrol the yard. Plant unpalatable neighbors
- 4.5 Apply taste deterrents
- 5 How can I stop rabbits from eating my hostas?
- 5.1 Use fencing
- 5.2 Try repellents Spraying plants with commercial rabbit repellent spray may deter feeding. Reapply frequently, as weather will wash away the active ingredients. Some gardeners swear by predator urine, hot pepper wax or garlic oil sprayed onto plants. Add barriers Ring planting beds with materials rabbits dislike crossing, such as crushed stone or prickly branches. For particular valuable plants, encircle with prickly stems of roses or pussy willows sticking outwards. Block access Identify the routes rabbits take to enter your yard. Block holes in fences or hedge bottoms by whichever means necessary. This may mean using wire mesh, rocks, thorny prunings or other obstructions. Check for new access points periodically. Scare them away Scarecrows, plastic owls with head turning movements, aluminum pans that clang in the breeze, radios and dogs can frighten away rabbits. Use multiple tactics and move them frequently to increase effectiveness. Water sprayed from a hose or sprinkler also deters rabbits. Apply repellents The odor of predator urine, tankage, pepper spray, hot pepper wax and other commercial rabbit repellents applied directly onto plant leaves may make hostas less palatable. Reapply after rain or watering. What are some hosta varieties less susceptible to being eaten? While no hosta is completely pest-proof, some varieties hold up better than others. Look for these types: Thick-leaved hostas
- 5.3 Small hostas
- 5.4 Leafy-cupped hostas
- 5.5 Blue and yellow hostas
- 5.6 Fragrant hostas
- 6 Conclusion
Why are hostas so prone to being eaten?
Hostas are vulnerable to being eaten for a few key reasons:
– They have very tender, appetizing leaves. The smooth textures and lush green colors are irresistible to pests.
– They lack chemical defenses. Hostas do not produce toxins or unpalatable compounds to deter herbivores.
– They grow close to the ground. This puts them at high risk for slug and snail damage.
– They are rich in nutrients. The nitrogen and water content make them a nutritional prize for deer and rabbits.
What animals commonly eat hostas?
The three main culprits that feed on hostas are:
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are the #1 cause of hosta damage. They feed at night, rasping out holes and ragged edges in leaves with their rough tongues. These holes often have a dried, brown edge. Slugs and snails thrive in damp, shady areas–the preferred growing sites for hostas.
Deer
Deer also find hostas very tasty. They nibble on the leaves and may consume entire small plants. Deer tend to feed at dawn or dusk. Damage consists of torn leaves and stems. If you live near woods or other natural areas, deer are likely to be a problem.
Rabbits
Rabbits may also snack on hostas if given the opportunity. They can clip off entire leaves and shoots. Rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk. Identifying rabbit damage can be tricky. It tends to resemble deer browsing.
How can I protect my hostas from slug and snail damage?
Guarding hostas from slugs and snails takes dedication, but it can be done. Try these tactics:
Remove hiding spots
Slugs and snails seek out cool, damp places to hide during the day, such as beneath boards, stones, debris and thick groundcover. Removing these shelters destroys their habitat and makes your garden less desirable.
Use barriers
Copper strips around planting beds repel slugs and snails. The metal gives them a slight electrical shock as they crawl across. For individual plants, wrap the base with copper wire mesh. Diatomaceous earth sprinkled around plants also deters them. The sharp particles cut their skin. Be sure to reapply after rain or watering.
Trap them
Traps reduce numbers of active slugs and snails. Common traps include beer-filled dishes sunk into the ground, overturned flowerpots weighted down with rocks, and boards raised off the ground. Check traps daily and dispatch any pests you find. Avoid salt, as this can damage plants.
Go hunting
Hand picking slugs and snails off plants and from under debris is effective if done thoroughly and regularly. Go out at night with a flashlight to catch them in the act. Dropping them into soapy water kills them quickly.
Use biological controls
Natural predators that consume slugs and snails can protect hostas. Attract amphibians, fireflies, ground beetles, snakes, ducks, hedgehogs and wild turkeys to your yard. Geese love snails and slugs. Introducing parasitic nematodes to the soil can also reduce populations.
Apply slug bait
Chemical slug baits containing iron phosphate lure in slugs and snails for a lethal dose. Scatter the pellets around vulnerable plants, avoiding direct contact with foliage and roots. Reapply as directed after rain or watering. Choose a pet-safe formula.
How can I stop deer from eating my hostas?
Protecting hostas from deer takes persistence, but you can reclaim your garden. Options include:
Use fencing
Installing an 8-foot or taller fence around your entire yard is the most effective deer deterrent. For smaller spaces, individual plant cages made of wire mesh help protect hostas. Bury the bottom several inches to prevent deer from ducking underneath.
Try repellents
There are many commercial deer repellent sprays made with rotten eggs, garlic, capsaicin and other aromas that deter deer with no harm to plants. Apply liberally on hostas. Rain will wash away protection, so reapply regularly. Homemade remedies like bars of strongly scented soap or pouches of human hair hung near plants may also help.
Add lighting
Motion-activated spotlights, floodlights or sprinklers installed near vulnerable planting beds will startle deer away. Just be sure they aren’t so bright and frequent that they disturb you or neighbors.
Use scare tactics
Spook deer with loud sounds, water sprayed from a hose, clanging pie pans, plastic owls and inflatable tube men. Move them around frequently so deer don’t get used to them. Dogs scare deer, so let your pooch patrol the yard.
Plant unpalatable neighbors
Interestingly, marigolds, daffodils, lavender and other strongly scented plants may make surrounding vegetation less tasty. Interplanting these around hostas may offer some protection.
Apply taste deterrents
Spraying hostas with commercial deer repellents containing bittering agents or predator urine creates an unpleasant flavor deer will avoid. Reapply frequently for best results. Tankage, a byproduct of slaughterhouses, is a very effective but smelly deterrent.
How can I stop rabbits from eating my hostas?
Here are some tips for protecting hostas from hungry rabbits:
Use fencing
A fence of 1-inch mesh wire, 2 to 3 feet tall, will exclude rabbits. Bury the bottom 6 inches to prevent digging underneath. Individual plant cages are also effective. Cover the tops too, since rabbits can jump.
Try repellents
Spraying plants with commercial rabbit repellent spray may deter feeding. Reapply frequently, as weather will wash away the active ingredients. Some gardeners swear by predator urine, hot pepper wax or garlic oil sprayed onto plants.
Add barriers
Ring planting beds with materials rabbits dislike crossing, such as crushed stone or prickly branches. For particular valuable plants, encircle with prickly stems of roses or pussy willows sticking outwards.
Block access
Identify the routes rabbits take to enter your yard. Block holes in fences or hedge bottoms by whichever means necessary. This may mean using wire mesh, rocks, thorny prunings or other obstructions. Check for new access points periodically.
Scare them away
Scarecrows, plastic owls with head turning movements, aluminum pans that clang in the breeze, radios and dogs can frighten away rabbits. Use multiple tactics and move them frequently to increase effectiveness. Water sprayed from a hose or sprinkler also deters rabbits.
Apply repellents
The odor of predator urine, tankage, pepper spray, hot pepper wax and other commercial rabbit repellents applied directly onto plant leaves may make hostas less palatable. Reapply after rain or watering.
What are some hosta varieties less susceptible to being eaten?
While no hosta is completely pest-proof, some varieties hold up better than others. Look for these types:
Thick-leaved hostas
Cultivars like ‘Sum and Substance’, ‘Elatior’, ‘Sieboldiana Elegans’ and ‘Frances Williams’ have very dense, substantial foliage that holds up well to chewing damage. The thick leaves also remain attractive for longer even with some imperfections.
Small hostas
Miniature hostas less than 6 inches tall, such as ‘Blue Mouse Ears’, ‘Little Wonder’ and ‘Baby Bunting’, tend to escape notice from deer and rabbits. They are also easy to protect with barriers. However, slugs and snails will still damage them.
Leafy-cupped hostas
Deeply cupped and ruffled leaves seem to suffer less damage, perhaps because they don’t present a flat surface for pests to bite. Examples are ‘Cameo’, ‘Cupcake’ and ‘Curly Fries’.
Blue and yellow hostas
The most common green hostas are associated with the worst grazing damage. Blue-toned ‘Halcyon’ and yellow ‘Sum and Substance’ are reported to be less popular with deer and rabbits.
Fragrant hostas
Some hostas like ‘Guacamole’, ‘Fragrant Bouquet’ and ‘So Sweet’ have noticeably sweet aromas. Interplanting these may help cover up the scent of more appetizing varieties.
Conclusion
Growing perfect hostas requires diligence to control slugs, snails, deer and rabbits. Start by selecting more grazing-resistant cultivars. Use multiple tactics like barriers, repellents, traps and scare devices. Check plants daily for damage and take action quickly at the first signs. With persistence, you can successfully grow hostas without losing them to hungry pests. Enjoy their beautiful foliage all season long by taking appropriate measures to protect your investment. Reach out to knowledgeable local gardeners to find out what deer deterrent strategies work best in your specific area.
Spraying plants with commercial rabbit repellent spray may deter feeding. Reapply frequently, as weather will wash away the active ingredients. Some gardeners swear by predator urine, hot pepper wax or garlic oil sprayed onto plants.
Add barriers
Ring planting beds with materials rabbits dislike crossing, such as crushed stone or prickly branches. For particular valuable plants, encircle with prickly stems of roses or pussy willows sticking outwards.
Block access
Identify the routes rabbits take to enter your yard. Block holes in fences or hedge bottoms by whichever means necessary. This may mean using wire mesh, rocks, thorny prunings or other obstructions. Check for new access points periodically.
Scare them away
Scarecrows, plastic owls with head turning movements, aluminum pans that clang in the breeze, radios and dogs can frighten away rabbits. Use multiple tactics and move them frequently to increase effectiveness. Water sprayed from a hose or sprinkler also deters rabbits.
Apply repellents
The odor of predator urine, tankage, pepper spray, hot pepper wax and other commercial rabbit repellents applied directly onto plant leaves may make hostas less palatable. Reapply after rain or watering.
What are some hosta varieties less susceptible to being eaten?
While no hosta is completely pest-proof, some varieties hold up better than others. Look for these types:
Thick-leaved hostas
Cultivars like ‘Sum and Substance’, ‘Elatior’, ‘Sieboldiana Elegans’ and ‘Frances Williams’ have very dense, substantial foliage that holds up well to chewing damage. The thick leaves also remain attractive for longer even with some imperfections.
Small hostas
Miniature hostas less than 6 inches tall, such as ‘Blue Mouse Ears’, ‘Little Wonder’ and ‘Baby Bunting’, tend to escape notice from deer and rabbits. They are also easy to protect with barriers. However, slugs and snails will still damage them.
Leafy-cupped hostas
Deeply cupped and ruffled leaves seem to suffer less damage, perhaps because they don’t present a flat surface for pests to bite. Examples are ‘Cameo’, ‘Cupcake’ and ‘Curly Fries’.
Blue and yellow hostas
The most common green hostas are associated with the worst grazing damage. Blue-toned ‘Halcyon’ and yellow ‘Sum and Substance’ are reported to be less popular with deer and rabbits.
Fragrant hostas
Some hostas like ‘Guacamole’, ‘Fragrant Bouquet’ and ‘So Sweet’ have noticeably sweet aromas. Interplanting these may help cover up the scent of more appetizing varieties.
Conclusion
Growing perfect hostas requires diligence to control slugs, snails, deer and rabbits. Start by selecting more grazing-resistant cultivars. Use multiple tactics like barriers, repellents, traps and scare devices. Check plants daily for damage and take action quickly at the first signs. With persistence, you can successfully grow hostas without losing them to hungry pests. Enjoy their beautiful foliage all season long by taking appropriate measures to protect your investment. Reach out to knowledgeable local gardeners to find out what deer deterrent strategies work best in your specific area.
Identify the routes rabbits take to enter your yard. Block holes in fences or hedge bottoms by whichever means necessary. This may mean using wire mesh, rocks, thorny prunings or other obstructions. Check for new access points periodically.
Scare them away
Scarecrows, plastic owls with head turning movements, aluminum pans that clang in the breeze, radios and dogs can frighten away rabbits. Use multiple tactics and move them frequently to increase effectiveness. Water sprayed from a hose or sprinkler also deters rabbits.
Apply repellents
The odor of predator urine, tankage, pepper spray, hot pepper wax and other commercial rabbit repellents applied directly onto plant leaves may make hostas less palatable. Reapply after rain or watering.
What are some hosta varieties less susceptible to being eaten?
While no hosta is completely pest-proof, some varieties hold up better than others. Look for these types:
Thick-leaved hostas
Cultivars like ‘Sum and Substance’, ‘Elatior’, ‘Sieboldiana Elegans’ and ‘Frances Williams’ have very dense, substantial foliage that holds up well to chewing damage. The thick leaves also remain attractive for longer even with some imperfections.
Small hostas
Miniature hostas less than 6 inches tall, such as ‘Blue Mouse Ears’, ‘Little Wonder’ and ‘Baby Bunting’, tend to escape notice from deer and rabbits. They are also easy to protect with barriers. However, slugs and snails will still damage them.
Leafy-cupped hostas
Deeply cupped and ruffled leaves seem to suffer less damage, perhaps because they don’t present a flat surface for pests to bite. Examples are ‘Cameo’, ‘Cupcake’ and ‘Curly Fries’.
Blue and yellow hostas
The most common green hostas are associated with the worst grazing damage. Blue-toned ‘Halcyon’ and yellow ‘Sum and Substance’ are reported to be less popular with deer and rabbits.
Fragrant hostas
Some hostas like ‘Guacamole’, ‘Fragrant Bouquet’ and ‘So Sweet’ have noticeably sweet aromas. Interplanting these may help cover up the scent of more appetizing varieties.
Conclusion
Growing perfect hostas requires diligence to control slugs, snails, deer and rabbits. Start by selecting more grazing-resistant cultivars. Use multiple tactics like barriers, repellents, traps and scare devices. Check plants daily for damage and take action quickly at the first signs. With persistence, you can successfully grow hostas without losing them to hungry pests. Enjoy their beautiful foliage all season long by taking appropriate measures to protect your investment. Reach out to knowledgeable local gardeners to find out what deer deterrent strategies work best in your specific area.
The odor of predator urine, tankage, pepper spray, hot pepper wax and other commercial rabbit repellents applied directly onto plant leaves may make hostas less palatable. Reapply after rain or watering.
What are some hosta varieties less susceptible to being eaten?
While no hosta is completely pest-proof, some varieties hold up better than others. Look for these types:
Thick-leaved hostas
Cultivars like ‘Sum and Substance’, ‘Elatior’, ‘Sieboldiana Elegans’ and ‘Frances Williams’ have very dense, substantial foliage that holds up well to chewing damage. The thick leaves also remain attractive for longer even with some imperfections.
Small hostas
Miniature hostas less than 6 inches tall, such as ‘Blue Mouse Ears’, ‘Little Wonder’ and ‘Baby Bunting’, tend to escape notice from deer and rabbits. They are also easy to protect with barriers. However, slugs and snails will still damage them.
Leafy-cupped hostas
Deeply cupped and ruffled leaves seem to suffer less damage, perhaps because they don’t present a flat surface for pests to bite. Examples are ‘Cameo’, ‘Cupcake’ and ‘Curly Fries’.
Blue and yellow hostas
The most common green hostas are associated with the worst grazing damage. Blue-toned ‘Halcyon’ and yellow ‘Sum and Substance’ are reported to be less popular with deer and rabbits.
Fragrant hostas
Some hostas like ‘Guacamole’, ‘Fragrant Bouquet’ and ‘So Sweet’ have noticeably sweet aromas. Interplanting these may help cover up the scent of more appetizing varieties.
Conclusion
Growing perfect hostas requires diligence to control slugs, snails, deer and rabbits. Start by selecting more grazing-resistant cultivars. Use multiple tactics like barriers, repellents, traps and scare devices. Check plants daily for damage and take action quickly at the first signs. With persistence, you can successfully grow hostas without losing them to hungry pests. Enjoy their beautiful foliage all season long by taking appropriate measures to protect your investment. Reach out to knowledgeable local gardeners to find out what deer deterrent strategies work best in your specific area.