Asked on May 23, 2014
Holes in my hostas
by Jayme Renee
+76
2 years ago I moved and split these hostas. They were on the side of my garage which only gets morning sun. I moved them to the front of my house that gets morning and afternoon sun. The first year they grew like this and now this year they look the same. Lots of holes and they never really got very big after transplant, compared to how HUGE they were when I split them. Is this b/c of the new area they are in? Too much sun? Do they need more water? Do i need more patience? haha .. Any suggestions?
Hosta one
Two
This is a hosta next to the new ones. Doin great! But a little wrinkly looking.
59 answers
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There are a few varieties of Hosta that can survive in full sun (one is created just for FL sun)....but most do better in part shade. The variegated one you have is light colored with white veins and I would think it would require more shade than sun....perhaps a morning sun location would be better? The new ones look good now but may have a problem later on. Regarding the holes, they appear to be bugs snacking on them. My first choice is NEEM oil, which is a 3-in-1 Insecticide/Miticide/Fungicide and is organic and won't kill the beneficial insects like bees, ladybugs, etc. Good luck and happy gardening :)
![Leslie Long]()
Leslie Long
on May 23, 2014
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Slugs could be the problem, too. Unfortunately, they love hostas.
![Wolfe Art]()
Wolfe Art
on May 23, 2014
- See 3 previous
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Would they eat just the couple or would all of them have holes b/c of slugs/insects? So would your opinion for holes be based on feeding animals and not so much on the sun/shade or water issue? Thanks!!
![Jayme Renee]()
Jayme Renee
on May 23, 2014
- See 1 previous
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Slugs for sure :(
![Suzie]()
Suzie
on May 23, 2014
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Slugs and snails, that's why I potted mine and put them up on my balcony. Partial shade is best too.
![Pam Knight-Brown]()
Pam Knight-Brown
on May 23, 2014
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The hostas are getting too much sun. It is funny but if they get too much sun they will not grow as fast and they may look very light in color. the variegated one could easily be divided and it can tolerate some afternoon sun but not more than a couple hours. the first hosta is definitely a shade loving hosta. As everyone has posted, slugs do cause a lot of damage to hostas and you could use many different tricks to keep them at bay-beer bait, copper, etc. I have hosta everywhere and many are in pots too. I would move the hosta back where they were and if your heart is set on hosta then look for sun loving varieties. Good luck and happy gardening
![The Garden Frog with C Renee]()
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on May 23, 2014
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The holes in the leaves are caused by slugs, but they don't affect the growth, which is probably too much sun. I read last fall to put beer under the hostas to keep slugs away, which I'm planning to try this year. Most hostas require partial to full shade.
![MikkiGirl]()
MikkiGirl
on May 23, 2014
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They are probably getting way too much sun. Slugs are probably causing the holes - you might be able to see them really early in the AM of early evening. They are my least favorite thing in the garden. There is something called Sluggo - at Home Depot and probably Lowe's - you sprinkle it around. I had some luck with the beer thing.
![Carol Claremont]()
Carol Claremont
on May 23, 2014
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Put some beer in jar lids and place them in your garden near your Hostas at night. You will see dead slugs in the lids in the morning,
![Judy Zofchak]()
Judy Zofchak
on May 23, 2014
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I too had problems with slugs. I ground some coffee beans and sprinkled the ground around the hostas, then no more slugs (I guess they can't hold their caffine).
![Colleen]()
Colleen
on May 23, 2014
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It looks to me like they were damaged when they were emerging, possibly by either cold or getting stepped on. Another note: Hostas in colder zones can tolerate more sun than those in Southern areas if you provide them with plenty of water they should thrive. Some Hosta experts contend that Hostas are "shade tolerant not shade dependent".
![Rhonda B]()
Rhonda B
on May 23, 2014
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hi, it looks like your issue is definitely slugs and I have a simple and safe way to get rid of them. Get a very shallow pan or jar lid and put in level with the ground near the hosta's... fill the pan with the cheapest beer you can find.... yep beer..... the slugs will get in their and the party is over. My friend didn't believe me until I proved it.... you will be shocked how many slugs will get in the pans. won't hurt anything and the slugs also love the bark .... unfortunately because its stays damp and cool. But the beer trick really does work! Good luck, hey, it's worth a try! It worked wonders for me, always has.
![Donna W]()
Donna W
on May 23, 2014
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it is slugs alright. I went through this the last 3 years. I cut back all my hostas then planted most o them into planters covered them over the winter. I treated the soil for 2 years with lime and last year is the first year I planted back in that garden area. I still had some slug showing up so had to finally resort to a toxic chemical in the soil which I did not want to do. This year I have a couple hostas starting to peak up from the soil. (live close to canada) so growing time up here is very short.I have tried the beer, the eggs, the pinecones, lime, baking soda, wood chips and nothing has worked with the slugs. Gotta treat the lawn all around the hostas also to get rid of them I found out. Good luck.
![Jacie1948]()
Jacie1948
on May 23, 2014
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SLUGS!
![Carol Tomlin]()
Carol Tomlin
on May 23, 2014
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Hostas are very hearty plants. More than likely you've got slugs eating them. You can use crushed egg shells or the safest product for slugs is diatomaceous earth, an abrasive powder that is too sharp for their tender bodies. Sprinkle it on the ground around your hostas and the damage will end immediately. Be careful not to inhale--or let your pets inhale--the diatomaceous earth. Good luck!
![Bonnie Powers Stopa]()
Bonnie Powers Stopa
on May 23, 2014
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Slugs
![Terea H]()
Terea H
on May 23, 2014
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If it is slugs, who love hostas, then surround them with crushed eggs shells like Bonnie suggested or surround them with these gumballs as I did! Whichever is more convenient. Gumballs seem to be everywhere . . . FOR FREE!!! Good luck!
![Deborah Phillips]()
Deborah Phillips
on May 24, 2014
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I noticed that most people agree that slug damage is the cause of the holes in the foliage. It looks more to me like they could have been stepped on as they were emerging. They are very sensitive to damage at this stage. On one of the other pictures, some of the holes look like possible hail holes. We see this in a variety of plants as we have late spring hail storms in the Seattle area. As for the slightly stunted growth, any perennial will be a little slower the spring after division due to the reduction in roots (stored energy). If it really bothers you, cut off the most damaged leaves, feed your hostas a good organic or slow release plant food, and water well. Most of my hostas are in at least 8 hours of sun per day and with adequate water, they thrive. Hope this helps! :)
![Sheri Carter]()
Sheri Carter
on May 24, 2014
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I can't help with the problem, but thank you all for the hint about gum balls....we have plenty! HA!
![Jeanette S]()
Jeanette S
on May 24, 2014
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If your getting slugs try some crushed eggshells around plants
![Mary Blatnik-Smith]()
Mary Blatnik-Smith
on May 25, 2014
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I save my eggshells all winter and then crush and sprinkle them around my hostas in the spring. I never get a hole. The eggshells slice those little buggers up.
![Debbie Coleman]()
Debbie Coleman
on May 25, 2014
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Way too much sun
![Peggy M]()
Peggy M
on May 25, 2014
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place crushed oyster shells or crushed egg shells around the hostas to keep slugs away.
![Donna Brooks]()
Donna Brooks
on May 25, 2014
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slugs love hostas and hostas love shade, the more the better, i gave up growing hostas as soon as they emerged the slugs got them, beer, eggs, copper tape and even putting green veg out didnt work here
![Tracy Gilmore]()
Tracy Gilmore
on May 25, 2014
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Hostas love shade- they don't do as well in the sun.
![Christine Keating-Ingelse]()
Christine Keating-Ingelse
on May 25, 2014
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Slugs
![Karin Graham]()
Karin Graham
on May 25, 2014
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when I get holes in mine I can see Slugs they love Hostas and shade and damp places Eggshells are good or a saucer of beer too
![Karin Graham]()
Karin Graham
on May 25, 2014
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I am having the same issue and spotted a large slug the other day. When I was a little girl I was fascinated (and disgusted!) by my grandmother's method at capturing and ridding the garden of slugs. It was beer. She would put out a disposable aluminum pie pan and pour in about an inch of beer. The next morning the pan would be full of slugs. The biggest slugs I've ever seen! I'm thinking I'll give this a try. Keeping the eggshell remedy in mind too. If the beer doesn't work, at least I've taken a (slimy!) walk down memory lane :)
![Ellen Entrekin d'Hemecourt]()
Ellen Entrekin d'Hemecourt
on May 25, 2014
- See 1 previous
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Thx for the advice about the egg shells & beer.
![Mila S]()
Mila S
on May 25, 2014
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not all hostas need shade or sun. each species has its own requirement. go to a nursery with one of your leaves to identify your species if you are uncertain. then you will know for certain if yours is sun, shade or semi-shade. after transplanting, hostas take time to start growing again. it puts them into shock which can take a year or two. your holes are definitely slugs.
![Zkkeohs]()
Zkkeohs
on May 25, 2014
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I am so sad to hear of your problem. I am a hosta addict. Thankfully I have a small yard..or I would have the thousands of varieties available!! I keep a close eye on mine for slugs...I have had very few problems, but I keep a close watch. Beer and egg shells on hand! these plants are so faithful, so loyal, and when divided, mine seem to say, ohh thank you, now I can stretch out and spread for you. I divide mine any time they need it,not concerned about time of year, I do it in the cooler part of day, plop in a bucket of water, and replant or give away. I also learned recently of an easier way to divide without digging up the whole plant! It really worked..just find a dividing point, put your spade there to cut down, then go to the front and dig up that portion. I was amazed, I didn't even get dirty. Sorry @Barb Rosen ..I know dirt is holy for some people! haha But one or 2 bend overs are all I can handle! ooohhh and it gets very hot here, we are NOT seattle weather.But shade and water, they thrive.
![Bernice H]()
Bernice H
on May 25, 2014
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Thanks Ladies for answering the question regarding the holes in hostas because I also have this problem and now I know what to do. I will be saving my egg shells.
![Mary M]()
Mary M
on May 25, 2014
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I also have holes in the sweet potato vine leaves that I recently planted in a concrete planter high off the front door stoop. I have not seen any slugs here in my area of northern Illinois. How do I stop the holes?
![Sharon Harding]()
Sharon Harding
on May 25, 2014
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How do I stop the holes in the leaves on my sweet potato vines in my flower baskets of petunias hanging on a shepherd's hook?
![Sharon Harding]()
Sharon Harding
on May 25, 2014
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Slugs are eating your plants. I always plant mine where they get both dun and shade and they are huge. I get many compliments on them. Good Luck...beer in empty yogurt or pudding cups, dig a small hole, put it in under the leaves and it will be filled with slugs the following morning...
![Anne]()
Anne
on May 25, 2014
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mine get the morning sun until around 11am, they love the shade. I put pinecones around my Hostas to keep the slugs away, they want get on anything that is sharp
![Carol Harris]()
Carol Harris
on May 25, 2014
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pinecones? never heard that before but worth a try. This year I put egg shells and coffee grounds around the hostas. they look wonderful this year. One problem here, my Cairn Terrier loved eating the rotten egg shells and coffee grounds. NOT good for dogs!
![MaryAnn B]()
MaryAnn B
on May 25, 2014
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I have problems with my hibicisus...if I don't "treat" them they come up with holes all in the leaves and start dying. The culprit is Japanese beetles. They r horrible! I use Spectracide or something like that and it works great but its not good around children or pets. U have 2 do it about every 2 wks 2 keep them away. Good luck!!!!
![Krazy K]()
Krazy K
on May 25, 2014
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sorry 4got something..U can also purchase something from Lowes called a Japanese Beetle bag. It attracts the beetles into the bag and away from the plant.
![Krazy K]()
Krazy K
on May 25, 2014
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I Spray and Combination mixed with water peppermint,rosemary cinnamon fixes the problems gets rid of the bugs ans slugs,,,But re-spray after a rain
![Stephen&Viktoria]()
Stephen&Viktoria
on May 25, 2014
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Will the beer work for my rosebushes?. They start out beautiful and halfway through the summer, something makes the leaves turn yellow, and they start to get holes in them. This year one of my rosebushes already has yellow leaves at the bottom, and many roses are about ready to bloom in a week or so.
![Jody Benge]()
Jody Benge
on May 25, 2014
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It looks like you have slugs eating your hostas. I previously had problems with slugs until I purchased a product called Sluggo Plus! It's completely organic and after you sprinkle the granules, the slugs will disappear. Unfortunately, it's not cheap but it does work so it's worth every penny. And you don't have to use a lot of it. I will treat my yard with it in early spring. If you sprinkle it early, you will see few (if any) slugs. I usually treat the yard again in early summer or after a lot of rain. Nothing I tried worked better than this product. And it kills other pests as well. They sell it on Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/Monterey-LG-6570-Sluggo-Pounds/dp/B000WB02DC/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1401077201&sr=1-1&keywords=sluggo+plus
![F. Collette]()
F. Collette
on May 25, 2014
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slugs are making those holes..one thing i know that works for sure is a copper ring around the base of the plant..I didnt believe it but i triied it with copper wire on half of them and none on the other..the ones with the copper rings had no holes..Also crushed egg shells at the base also works..it cuts there soft bodies..beer traps are an old fix but it works..i use the cups from fruit snacks or jello put them in the ground and the slugs will drown in the beer..You have to empty them though and thats kind of yuky
![Gail lichtsinn]()
Gail lichtsinn
on May 26, 2014
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I also have a lot of hostas and I have seen bees land on the leaves and I have wondered if they are also eating on the leaves. I have seen slugs but I have some stuff from the store that will kill the slugs but will not hurt my pets. If bees are doing some damage to the leaves I don't think you would want to do anything to them.
![Pat]()
Pat
on May 26, 2014
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Lee Valley Tools sells spikey copper stretch coils in their garden catalogue.
![Carol]()
Carol
on May 26, 2014
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it isnt bees..slugs are notorious for those holes on hostas..bees collect pollen and get water off of leaves but dont eat them..
![Gail lichtsinn]()
Gail lichtsinn
on May 26, 2014
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they are getting to much sun hostas do not like hot afternoon sun, if it's slugs eating them you will see slime, earwigs eat hosta here is a safe home made spray. 1 cup of mouth wash 1 cup of lemon dish liquid cheap stuff, 1 cup of tobacco tea to make tobacco tea, buy tin chewing tobacco take three fingers place in an old stocking push into a gallon milk jug fill with boiling water let stand 24hrs mix all three ingredients into a hose end sprayer fill balance with water and you can spray all your plants to run off does not harm any plants not even vegs happy gardening
![Margaret]()
Margaret
on May 27, 2014
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I have several different kinds of hosta, The ones you show in the picture are the ones i have found to be the least "Sun" tolerant. The holes may just be spots burnt by the sun & or a lack of water. My neighbor has some in a spot that gets 4-5hrs of sun & get the holes as the summer goes on. I have checked for bugs & haven't found them, I think it could be just the amount of Sun/dryness
![Julie Haller]()
Julie Haller
on May 27, 2014
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too much sun
![Vicki Gammel Stanley]()
Vicki Gammel Stanley
on May 27, 2014
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Put crushed eggshells around the base of the hostas. Slugs have delicate bodies and the shells are like "walking on broken glass" for them.
![Daniel Lewis]()
Daniel Lewis
on May 27, 2014
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Slugs is my thought. Spread a ring of coffee grounds. The slugs can't crawl over it and it will also feed your hostas.
![Kathy]()
Kathy
on May 28, 2014
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I posted a link to Amazon.com. It is sold on that website. I'm sure if you put "Sluggo Plus" into Google several retailers that sell the product will appear.
![F. Collette]()
F. Collette
on May 29, 2014
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Those are slug that are eating the leaves. Sprinkle epsom salts around the plant, it has to be reapplied after rain or it dissolves. it is good for your plants, mine are huge this year. Read about the benefit of epsom salts. Harmless to pets too.
![Ann Darnell]()
Ann Darnell
on May 29, 2014
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all hostas I have grown are sun lovers.
![Ann Darnell]()
Ann Darnell
on May 29, 2014
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funny thing about that is they are listed as shade plants.........
![Julie Haller]()
Julie Haller
on May 30, 2014
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where I live the summers gets very hot, they wouldn't stand a chance in the sun. Mine are big and beautiful but mostly all in the shade all day.
![Carol Harris]()
Carol Harris
on May 31, 2014
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Jayme, Have you had any hail since they popped out of the ground? Kinda looks like hail damage.
![Deb Schuldt]()
Deb Schuldt
on Jun 01, 2014
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Mine looked like that before I read an article to sprinkle coffee grounds around them. The slugs were eating them. You have to repeat after it rains. Put coffee grounds around your roses too.... they love it ... Mine were covered in roses this year and all I did was use coffee grounds. I'm trying it in my garden this year along with crushed egg shells..... I'll post how they turn out.........
![JJ]()
JJ
on Jun 01, 2014
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I'm inclined to agree with @Rhonda B They look like they were damaged coming out of the soil - those tears in the edges are indicative of this. Also the wrinkled appearance. It could be that they are planted just a tad too deep. The late spring/hard ground were probably largely responsible for this. The small holes look like little bitty tiny slugs that can be on your plant by the dozens. If you check the hosta in the morning you will likely be able to find them under the leaves and in the stems. You can spray with amonia water which should kill them. I wouldn't worry about the sun thing. Most southerners don't understand about northern sun/shade issues. If they were sun scorched I would worry, but they aren't at all.
![Somewhat Quirky]()
Somewhat Quirky
on Jul 22, 2014
Leslie Long
on May 23, 2014
Wolfe Art
on May 23, 2014
Jayme Renee
on May 23, 2014
Suzie
on May 23, 2014
Pam Knight-Brown
on May 23, 2014
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on May 23, 2014
MikkiGirl
on May 23, 2014
Carol Claremont
on May 23, 2014
Judy Zofchak
on May 23, 2014
Colleen
on May 23, 2014
Rhonda B
on May 23, 2014
Donna W
on May 23, 2014
Jacie1948
on May 23, 2014
Carol Tomlin
on May 23, 2014
Bonnie Powers Stopa
on May 23, 2014
Terea H
on May 23, 2014
Deborah Phillips
on May 24, 2014
Sheri Carter
on May 24, 2014
Jeanette S
on May 24, 2014
Mary Blatnik-Smith
on May 25, 2014
Debbie Coleman
on May 25, 2014
Peggy M
on May 25, 2014
Donna Brooks
on May 25, 2014
Tracy Gilmore
on May 25, 2014
Christine Keating-Ingelse
on May 25, 2014
Karin Graham
on May 25, 2014
Bernice H
on May 25, 2014
Mary M
on May 25, 2014
Sharon Harding
on May 25, 2014
Anne
on May 25, 2014
Carol Harris
on May 25, 2014
MaryAnn B
on May 25, 2014
Krazy K
on May 25, 2014
Stephen&Viktoria
on May 25, 2014
Jody Benge
on May 25, 2014
F. Collette
on May 25, 2014
Gail lichtsinn
on May 26, 2014
Pat
on May 26, 2014
Carol
on May 26, 2014
Margaret
on May 27, 2014
Julie Haller
on May 27, 2014
Vicki Gammel Stanley
on May 27, 2014
Daniel Lewis
on May 27, 2014
Kathy
on May 28, 2014
Ann Darnell
on May 29, 2014
Deb Schuldt
on Jun 01, 2014
JJ
on Jun 01, 2014
Somewhat Quirky
on Jul 22, 2014
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