Hostas are a classic shade garden perennial beloved for their wide variety of colors shapes, and sizes. However, their tender leaves are also a favorite food of slugs and snails. These slimy pests can quickly riddle the leaves of unprotected hostas with unsightly holes, especially in damp conditions.
Luckily, over the years hosta breeders have developed varieties with built-in slug resistance By choosing these types, you can finally enjoy hole-free hostas even in notoriously sluggy gardens
What Makes a Hosta Slug Resistant?
Certain physical traits make some hostas less palatable to slugs and snails:
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Thick, leathery leaves – Slugs have difficulty biting and chewing through the toughened texture.
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Bumpy leaf surface – The uneven surface makes it hard for slugs to grasp and feed on the leaves
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Strong fragrance – Heavy scents can deter slugs from approaching the plants.
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High sap content – Gives the leaves an unpleasant taste.
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Upright form – More difficult for slugs to access compared to low-growing varieties.
Top Slug Resistant Hosta Picks
Based on observations in my own garden and recommendations from experts, here are some of the best slug resistant hosta varieties to consider:
Halcyon
- Robust mounding habit, midsize (18-24 inches tall and wide)
- Deep blue foliage
- Thick substanced leaves
One of the most popular hostas, Halcyon combines perfect form and rich color with complete slug resistance. An easy to grow classic.
First Frost
- Compact variety (18 inches tall, 32 inches wide)
- Blue leaves with white margins
- Thick leaves discourage slugs
The frosty two-tone leaves of First Frost light up shady spots. It remains pristine even as nearby non-resistant hostas get decimated.
Sieboldiana Elegans
- Old fashioned large variety, 36 inches tall and wide
- Blue-green color
- Very thick leaves that slugs avoid
A traditional favorite, Sieboldiana Elegans makes a big statement in the landscape. Slugs pass it by for more tender options.
Sagae
- Medium size (20 inches tall, 40 inches wide)
- Slender jade green leaves with rippled edges
- Smooth leaf texture deters slugs
The gracefully cascading leaves of Sagae have a cosmopolitan vibe. Slugs don’t seem tempted by its sleek look.
Rainforest Sunrise
- Medium to large size (28 inches tall, 40 inches wide)
- Dramatic yellow leaves with rippled edges
- Thick leaf texture
Brighten up dark corners with Rainforest Sunrise. Its sunshiny color and leathery leaves fight off slug attacks.
Liberty
- Large variety (28 inches tall, 48 inches wide)
- Rich blue foliage
- Extremely thick leaves packed closely together
Liberty flaunts exceptional slug resistance. Its impenetrable fortress of blue leaves never shows damage.
Sum and Substance
- Giant variety capable of growing 5 feet tall
- Huge chartreuse leaves
- Thick leaf skin deters slugs
For a bold tropical look, Sum and Substance is hard to beat. Plant it in an area with plenty of space to allow its massive slug-proof leaves to mature.
Diamond Lake
- Medium size (20 inches tall, 30 inches wide)
- Heavily ruffled blue leaves
- Leathery texture
The wavy blue foliage of Diamond Lake has great texture. Its unique heavily rippled appearance may help repel slugs.
Blue Mouse Ears
- Dwarf variety (6 inches tall, 12 inches wide)
- Dense mound of small, rounded blue-green leaves
- Thick leaves discourage slugs
This cute mini hosta makes an excellent groundcover and container specimen. Slugs ignore its tiny thick leaves.
Praying Hands
- Unique upright form (14 inches tall, 20 inches wide)
- Tightly folded leaves stacked vertically
- Slugs can’t access folded leaves
The whimsical folded leaves of Praying Hands stand up above the ground, avoiding slug contact. A great choice for an unusual look.
Other Slug Prevention Tactics
While resistant varieties deter most damage, you can further protect hostas by:
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Applying slug bait or repellent products around plants
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Trapping slugs in shallow beer containers
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Sprinkling abrasive diatomaceous earth around hostas
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Setting physical copper or grit barriers
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Removing daytime hiding spots like boards or piles of debris
Enjoy the Beauty of Hole-Free Hostas
By selecting hostas bred with natural slug resistance, you can finally garden with confidence even in the most slug-infested landscapes. Wave goodbye to unsightly perforated leaves! The varieties listed here are some of the best options to consider for lush, pristine hostas that slugs and snails simply avoid.
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Slugs! Ugh! Slugs Can Be a Hosta’s Number One Enemy.
The hostas featured in this selection have excellent natural slug resistance due to their thick leaves. Watch our video on how to keep those pesky slugs from devouring your hostas.
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Hostas that Resist Slug Damage
FAQ
How do I keep slugs out of my hostas?
Slugs prefer damp places where they can slide around easily. Rake away any dead leaves near your hostas and add some rough mulch, like bark, around your plants.Jun 21, 2023
What plants do slugs hate most?
onion family plants, foxglove, and euphorbias are all supposed to be toxic to slugs… They also don’t like some pungent herbs like lavender and rosemary. Also ferns, daisies, and fleabane.
Is June hosta slug resistant?
Hosta ‘June’
‘June’ has an excellent substance and is known to be very slug resistant. Its flowers, that appear in the mid to late summer, are light lavender and grow to a 20″ height, standing tall above the foliage.
Is hosta blue angel slug resistant?
This giant blue has large thick waxy leaves giving it good slug resistance. A variety that makes an ideal centre piece to a shade border.