Hostas are one of those dependable landscape plants that we often don’t look at closely. Once properly planted, they return in early spring. Since these plants are usually bigger and more beautiful than last year, we rarely take a closer look, that is until we begin to notice the hosta leaves have holes.
Holes in Leaves of Hosta
Sometimes a closer look may reveal there are holes in hosta leaves. This is not a regular occurrence, but we don’t want our plants damaged. Likely, the damage will occur as spring ends and summer comes with the high heat that attracts eggs to hatch and pests to feed on our young, growing plants. Tattered leaves may appear, ruining the appearance of our perfect shade beds and gardens.
Why are There Holes in My Hosta?
When you’ve noticed what the holes look like and where on the leaf they are, you may have a clue as to what its cause may be. Large, irregular holes throughout the leaves may indicate a chewing pest, such as grasshoppers. You can use Carbaryl in dust form (Sevin) in the morning to stop their munching. An alternative approach for these pests includes the use of a naturally occurring microbe called Nosema locustae.
If you look closely and find new holes in leaves of hosta that are smaller, about the size of paper punch holes, you may have vine weevils. Dust these with Sevin in the evening, as dusk falls. Beneficial nematodes can also help take care of these insect pests.
If neither of these describe where or how your hosta plant has holes, you may be getting damage from slugs, snails, or both. Inspect the leaves with a flashlight at night, checking the ground and the underside of the leaves. A granular product called Sluggo is a possibility to get rid of them. You can also pick them off and dump in soapy water. Or you can put a homemade beer trap right where the slugs can drink, fall in, and meet their demise. A shallow lid from a peanut butter jar is deep enough but refresh it every few days.
Browsing deer stopping by for a snack are also a possibility, especially when leaves appear shredded. Add rosemary or other fragrant herbs to deter these animals.
All this damage may lead you to start pruning damaged leaves. However, this is not the time. Wait until after the killing frosts. You can remove fading flower blooms and stems at any time.
FAQs
Why are There Holes in My Hosta Leaves? There are a few different garden pests that could be eating your hostas. Slugs and snails are the most common perpetrator. Because they only feed at night, it can be hard to see it in person.
How do I treat holes in my hosta leaves? ›
Large, irregular holes throughout the leaves may indicate a chewing pest, such as grasshoppers. You can use Carbaryl in dust form (Sevin) in the morning to stop their munching. An alternative approach for these pests includes the use of a naturally occurring microbe called Nosema locustae.
What do you put on hostas to keep bugs from eating the leaves? ›
Spray your hosta leaves with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
What can I spray on my hostas to keep slugs off? ›
We are always asked about how to protect hostas from being eaten by slugs and snails. Garlic wash is a really simple, cheap and safe way to protect your hostas without using harmful pellets.
How do I keep pill bugs from eating my hostas? ›
Pesticide sprays, granules and baits can help control pillbugs around your plants. Permethrin insecticide is more effective than acephate (Orthene) or carbaryl (Sevin) sprays. Other pyrethroid insecticides, such as cyfluthrin, esfenvalerate or lambda-cyhalothrin should also provide control.
How do you stop holes in leaves? ›
Chewing insect control: An effective broad-spectrum insecticide stops a wide range of chewing insects, no matter who's guilty. Sevin Insect Killer Concentrate kills Japanese beetles, earwigs, flea beetles and other listed chewing insects. Then it keeps protecting your plant's leaves for up to three months.
How do I protect my hostas from being eaten? ›
Copper - An excellent and attractive way of protecting your plants is by using copper. Some choose to use copper bands which you can stick around your pots to create a barrier. Is worth keeping an eye out online as you can also get very nice copper pots which are impenetrable to slugs and snails.
What does Epsom salt do for hostas? ›
What exactly does Epsom salt do for your hostas? Comprising 10 percent Magnesium and 13 percent Sulfur, Epsom salt provides essential secondary nutrients vital for plant growth. Magnesium aids in water retention, nutrient absorption, and chlorophyll production, crucial for photosynthesis.
Can you spray vinegar on hostas? ›
Hello, Vinegar burns the tops of plants. It doesn't move to the roots and roots remain alive.. Hostas have robust roots and may resprout when their tops are burned back. Repeatedly burning the tops back will eventually kill the hostas.
Is Miracle Gro plant food good for hostas? ›
Hostas crave a steady nutrient supply throughout the growing season. A month after planting, feed them with Miracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® All Purpose Plant Food, making sure to follow the directions on the label. This will keep your hostas fed for up to three months.
Try this homemade remedy to protect hosta plants from bugs: Leave out a smooth piece of cardboard or a small wooden board on the ground in a damp, shady spot. Give the slugs a day or two to check in before turning over the cardboard or board and evicting your unwelcome guests.
What do slugs hate most? ›
Perennial plants that slugs hate:
- Foxgloves.
- Euphorbia.
- Roses.
- Nepeta (catmint)
- Lavender.
- Astrantia.
- Salvia.
- Lilies (but don't plant these if you have a cat)
Epsom salts, though, are an effective control method. Epsom salts contain magnesium, which is a nutrient most plants will utilize. Applying a band of Epsom salt around your beds or plants will work as a slug barrier.
What smell do pill bugs hate? ›
Pill bugs, like many insects, don't love essential oils. This includes rosemary, oregano, citronella, citrus, cinnamon, tea tree, and peppermint. Spray essential oils mixed with water in roly-poly hot spots—but keep it away from children and pets.
How do you stop a pill bug infestation? ›
The key to getting rid of pill bugs is to eliminate the moist sites that make their survival possible. Additionally, remove piles of grass clippings and leaves around the properly. Store firewood off the ground and away from the home. Properly ventilate basem*nts, attics and crawlspaces.
What spray kills pill bugs? ›
Amdro Quick Kill Outdoor Insect Killer, available in concentrate and ready-to-spray formulas, works in minutes to kill pillbugs by contact and keeps killing these pests for up to three months. Use it on lawns, trees, shrubs and flower gardens. You can also treat your home's foundation up to a height of 3 feet.
What is the best fungicide for hostas? ›
The most effective fungicides for drenching are thiophanate-methyl, fludioxonil, and azoxystrobin.
What to do with damaged hosta leaves? ›
Unfortunately, as unsightly as they are, damaged Hosta leaves should not be removed until after the killing frosts of autumn arrive. One should then remove the dead, unsightly foliage and destroy it. The good news is, next spring, beautiful new Hosta leaves will emerge with no holes!
