Slugs and snails are the misery of many gardeners’ existences; they destroy many of your favorite plants by munching on tender young shoots and seedlings. However, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) recently declared that slugs will no longer be considered pests but rather an essential component of the garden ecology.
Hostas, for instance, are pure slug magnets. Even if you use copper tape, grit, wheat bran, beer, and countless other magical repellents to attempt to keep the pests away, eventually those pesky little creatures will turn your priceless funkia leaves to lace.
I don’t believe I’ve ever participated in a Gardener’s Question Time without a slug-related question because slugs and snails have a reputation for causing damage.
However, there are many plants that they do not consume, so if they become a problem, the easy solution is to produce more things that are off their menu.
The choice of slug-proof plants is frequently a matter of common sense. It is less probable that leaves and stems will be used as slug food if they are felty, hairy, dusty, or harsh. Molluscs rarely destroy silver foliage plants like lavender, santolina, helichrysum, and teucrium.
It makes sense that these have leaves that are both scented and repulsive. Santolina ‘Lemon Fizz,’ a variety with golden leaves, provides a vibrant contrast to the plant’s typical silver foliage.
Shrubs won’t be discussed because they aren’t often slug and snail targets. They are not enticing to eat or climb over because of their woody stems.
Perennials
Keep the fragrant component in mind when choosing perennials. Typically, plants with oil-rich foliage are more resilient. For instance, consider herbaceous geraniums. Snails and slugs may conceal themselves among the leaves, but they do not consume them.
Even in the shaded areas that slugs and snails adore, the early flowering Geranium phaeum thrives, but they won’t eat its leaves or blooms.
Herbs
Slugs have no chance of harming marjoram, Origanum vulgare, or any of its variations. It frequently seeds profusely in light, dry soils, yet there is no doubting its usefulness as a wanderer in the border and as a culinary herb.
Early in the growing season, when the leaves are young and vibrant, and in late summer, when the plants are in bloom and the leaves become a mellow gold, the golden-leaved variety is very appealing.
Foxgloves
Since foxgloves are poisonous, even the most voracious pests like deer and rabbits avoid them. The wild foxglove, Digitalis purpurea, is a biennial plant, meaning that it grows one year, blooms, produces seeds, and then dies the next year.
Some foxgloves, like Digitalis ferruginea, are however transient perennials. With its tall spikes of densely packed coppery flowers, this is an even more appealing garden plant; you’ll adore it but slugs and snails will loathe it.
Euphorbias
The spurges, sometimes known as euphorbias, are included in this group. Gardeners should avoid bringing their skin in contact with the milky, irritating sap that is present on their stems and leaves. They are therefore pest-repellent as a result.
They are also slug-proof and, once more, deer and rabbit proof. The stunning plant Euphorbia characias, which is towering and edifice-like, will seed on sandy, well-drained soils. Plants can exist for many years and each season, new stems emerge from their woody bases.
This particular euphorbia is a perennial evergreen that resembles a shrub in many aspects. In late winter and early spring, the lime green “flowers” at the stem tips are breathtaking.
Penstemons
Penstemons and other evergreen plants with woody stems have some similarities. But since slugs and snails are rumored to eat them in some gardens, I’m not going to suggest these as slug-proof.
However, I will suggest evergreen hellebores like Helleborus argutifolius and Helleborus x ericsmithii. These feature hardy flowers that are held in huge clusters above the foliage and hardy foliage. These appear to be unpleasant to molluscs and are transported safely.
Additionally, they thrive in the shade, so they will brave the hiding places of our slick adversaries.
Pulmonarias
In this case, too, pulmonarias, the lungworts withstand attack but the hostas are easily eaten. The advantages of pulmonarias include early blooming and nicely patterned leaves that are occasionally speckled or covered with silver. As the season goes on, the leaf can start to appear a little ragged, but it rarely looks as bad in the garden as a hosta that has been attacked by slugs.
Seedums
Sedums are vital for late summer color and their powerful, bold plant shapes in sunny areas of the garden. The most popular and well-known sedum varieties are Sedum spectabile and its cultivars.
The fleshy growth buds that are grouped on the soil in the early spring may occasionally be nibbled at by slugs, but they don’t seem to cause too much harm as the stems develop. If there is damage, cover the plant’s crown with coarse grit so that slugs won’t want to cross it and the plant will benefit from the drier soil.
In the majority of gardens, the stalks and faded flowerheads that become dark brown throughout the winter still seem lovely. In others, they appear to fall over as the stems lose their support. Late winter presents a special issue with this.
Reduce the stems by a third to a half in late April to avoid this. Then they will branch, but they will get shorter and stay upright. Despite the smaller flowerheads, the overall impression ought to be more appealing.
Aquilegia
The aquilegia, often known as columbine, is one of our favorite cottage garden plants and a fantastic slug-proof subject. There are numerous varieties, and they do have a propensity to hybridize and spread by seed; all of which adds to their allure.
Some of the most showy types are those with bigger outer petals and lengthy spurs; keep an eye out for the “State” series. Aquilegias make excellent “drifters,” or plants you can wedge between other perennials and shrubs to give the planter a bit of height thanks to their long flower stems and nodding blooms.
Agastache
As I previously stated, anything with fragrant leaf is a wonderful option for a slug-resistant plant. The enormous hyssop, Agastache foeniculum, is gaining popularity as a border perennial and for use in prairie designs with grasses.
There are several wonderful variants with flowers that are bigger and more impressive than the species. Their draw is their ability to draw bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; an added benefit is that they repel slugs and snails.
Knautia, eryngium, and nepeta are some other perennials that I’ve discovered to be largely mollusk resistant.
Snails enjoy sedum, right?
Slugs and snails may cause havoc in the yard by destroying seedlings and eating huge plants’ leaves, such hostas. Slug pellets work well as a deterrent, but those that include metaldehyde can damage hedgehogs and other wildlife. Additionally, alternative methods of slug management can be time-consuming and ineffective.
Continuing to produce plants that you know will either be entirely eaten or at the very least devastated beyond recognition can be costly and distressing. Why not stop then? There are many lovely flora that slugs don’t find attractive. Grow them instead, and you’ll not only have an easier time keeping up with your garden but also be happy because you won’t have to worry about losing prized plants to hungry mollusks.
Numerous plants have evolved their own defenses against slugs and other leaf-eating insects. While some plants, like euphorbias and foxgloves, have poisonous leaves, others, like stachys and pulmonarias, have grown thick or hairy foliage that slugs and snails don’t seem to appreciate. Succulent plants with bloated leaves, like sedums and sempervivums, can also dissuade slugs. In the vegetable patch, bitter-tasting and aromatic leaves like endive and Mediterranean herbs seem to repel slugs.
Aquilegias tolerate shade and come in a wide range of colors. They quickly self-seed and are excellent for border drifting.
What kinds of plants detest by slugs?
Fortunately, slugs and snails don’t just devour any plant they come across. Some plants, however, are actually repulsed by these rapacious little leaf-chewers. More specifically, slugs and snails detest and avoid plants with strong scents and textures that are difficult for them to chew.
We’ve developed a list of ten plants that these pests abhor and won’t consume in order to make your life easier. Snails and slugs won’t return unless they wish to starve if you plant these in your outside area.
Ferns (Tracheophyta)
Ferns are unappealing to snails and slugs because of their extremely thin, tough-to-chew leaves. One of the reasons why fern plants have endured for so long may be that they are immune to slugs.
Ferns require little upkeep in some way. They merely require moist, well-draining soil and some shade in order to thrive. They don’t produce stunning blooms, but they are nevertheless worth growing in the garden because of their lovely leaves and incredible resistance to assaults from common pests like snails and slugs.
Christmas Fern, Cinnamon Fern, Japanese Painted Fern, and Maidenhair Fern are examples of common ferns you may plant in your garden to deter snails and slugs.
Lavender (Lavandula)
The strong scent of some plants, like lavender, which surely gets up their noses, is one of the things that snails and slugs detest. These bugs are repelled by lavender’s exceptionally potent aroma. Therefore, if you want to enjoy a lovely scent and keep snails and slugs at bay, it is the perfect plant to cultivate in your yard.
A simple and gratifying plant to keep around is lavender. For it to thrive, only sandy, well-drained soil and lots of sunlight are needed. If you reside in an area with an arid environment, this plant will grow as a perennial; if you live in an area with a humid climate, it will grow as an annual.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Rosemary is an aromatic shrub with a potent scent that snails and slugs detest, much like lavender. Given how long this plant can grow, a rosemary shrub might really shield your garden from these pests for more than two decades.
Along with keeping slugs and snails away and filling your outdoor space with a lovely aroma, growing rosemary in your garden has the extra benefit of allowing you to season your food with it. It can be added to a variety of recipes, including soups, salads, and stews.
Additionally, rosemary is quite hardy and low-maintenance. Sandy, well-drained soil and lots of sunlight are the two primary requirements for it to flourish.
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
Another plant that slugs and snails avoid is this one because of its tough leaf, which is too tough for them to chew.
Thanks to its lovely leaves that maintain a compact shape and some types even exude a pleasant aroma in the outdoor area, wormwood may be a lovely addition to any landscape. The Silver Mound Wormwood is the most widely used form of wormwood and is frequently utilized in low-maintenance gardens.
Wormwood requires highly sunny planting conditions and well-draining soil in order to flourish. Don’t overwater this plant because it absolutely detests having its feet wet.
Bugleweed (Ajuga)
Hardy and low-maintenance bugleweed has several advantages for your yard, including deterring snails and slugs. It has tough foliage that slugs and snails find difficult to consume. The only issue with bugleweed is that it spreads quickly due to its ability to grow and survive even in less favorable conditions.
This evergreen perennial requires full sun to thrive and develop greater foliage. Although it does best in damp soil, this plant may also tolerate droughts rather well.
You should be aware that this plant is prone to some diseases like crown rot if it thrives in extremely hot and humid climates, even though slugs and snails and many other pests won’t go near it.
Yucca (Yucca filamentosa)
Yucca plants produce leaves that simply don’t appeal to slugs as food. Snails and slugs will do anything to avoid them because they are fibrous and hard, which makes them incredibly challenging to chew. In addition, it is possible to extract the chemical from these plants and utilize it as a slug and snail repeller.
Plants are relatively simple to maintain if you provide them the correct growing conditions. They favor gardens with lots of sunlight and soil that drains well. Additionally, as Yucca plants do not like to have damp feet, you should refrain from overwatering them.
Yucca plants have pointed leaves and waxy blossoms that deter pests from your garden and may also be used to make eye-catching displays in your outdoor area.
Catmint (Nepeta)
Snails and slugs detest the pungent scent of catmint plants and prefer to avoid them, much like they do with lavender and rosemary. Catmint is a fragrant plant that also makes a fantastic tea. In addition, it draws hummingbirds and other pollinators while deterring pests.
It is a plant that requires relatively little maintenance and can grow in practically any environment. More specifically, it can survive in both direct sunlight and light shade. Additionally, it thrives on soils with ordinary to excellent drainage.
Larger types, such the 6 Hills Giant, are better suited for outdoor locations with more room. Therefore, be careful to select the right size for your garden.
Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantine)
Slugs and snails don’t find Lamb’s Ears to be an appetizing diet because of its hairy and rough leaves. You will be drawn to the plant, though, by the leaves’ peculiar velvety texture. In fact, the leaves of this plant can be used as a “band-aid” to treat cuts and uncomfortable bee stings.
Even though it doesn’t produce lovely flowers, this plant is worth growing simply for its plush appearance and texture. Lamb’s Ear requires very well-draining soil, full sun, or moderate shade to grow successfully because the plant is prone to root rot. Just water the plant when the soil is absolutely dry, remember. Its foliage forms a mat, making it suitable for growing as ground cover.
Euphorbia (Euphorbia)
Snails and slugs abhor the milky sap that euphorbia plants produce because of its harsh taste. Euphorbias are regarded as poisonous because their sap has the potential to irritate human skin. To avoid skin contact when handling Euphorbia plants, always wear gloves.
Numerous plants, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, and succulents, belong to this genus. As a result, you have a lot of options. The majority of Euphorbia plants require very little care and little growing space. They normally prefer moist soil with adequate drainage, some shade, and cactus/succulent potting mix. It’s crucial to avoid overwatering succulent kinds because they are vulnerable to root rot.
Japanese Anemone ( Anemone hupehensis)
Although they can be a little difficult to establish in the yard, once they are there, they spread quickly and easily and, thanks to their rough foliage, keep slugs and snails out of your outdoor space. In fact, gardeners with limited outdoor space prefer to grow them in containers to better manage their spread because they may be quite invasive in some soils.
The Japanese anemone, which blooms in lovely white and pink daisy-like blossoms, is also a delight to have in your yard. Additionally, the greenery contributes to the amazing texture impression. Japanese Anemones require some light shade as well as moist but well-drained soil in order to thrive.