What's eating my blue hosta 'halcyon'?

Blue Hosta 'Halcyon' is one of the most slug-resistant hostas — its thick, glaucous blue leaves deter slugs, so gardeners frequently report clean foliage even in damp seasons. Deer remain a threat regardless of leaf texture. Black vine weevil and foliar nematodes are secondary concerns.

Browse all hosta foliage indiscriminately; plants are eaten to the crown overnight, leaving bare stubs. Erect deer fencing or use a reliable scent-based repellent; reapply after every rainfall. Vary repellent brands so deer do not habituate.

Ragged holes with shiny slime trails; far less common on 'Halcyon' than on thin-leaved hostas — blue, glaucous foliage is genuinely less palatable. Apply iron phosphate bait in spring; copper tape around pots provides a barrier; handpick in the evening after rain.

Notched leaf edges from adult night feeding; larvae kill roots and crowns, causing wilting and plant loss. Drench soil with pathogenic nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer; check crowns for grubs if plants fail to emerge.