Pest identification
What's eating my paul's glory hosta?
Slugs & snails
Signs: Holes and ragged edges in leaf blades, often starting on the softer golden centre; seedlings may be entirely destroyed
Control: Set out iron phosphate bait in the evening; use beer traps; remove leaf litter near crowns to reduce daytime hiding spots
Deer
Signs: Foliage browsed to the petiole stubs, often repeatedly through the growing season
Control: Apply egg-solid or capsaicin-based repellent sprays; install motion-activated water jets; physical fencing is most reliable long-term
Rabbits
Signs: Young shoots and newly unfurling leaves cut cleanly at the base in spring
Control: Bury wire mesh around bed edges 6 inches deep; use rabbit repellent granules around the perimeter
Keep paul's glory hosta pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Paul's Glory Hosta pests — FAQ
What is eating my paul's glory hosta?
Paul's Glory Hosta, with its gold-centered, blue-edged leaves, is targeted by slugs and snails that pierce the soft leaf tissue. Deer will readily eat the foliage. Rabbits clip young stems. Hosta virus X can enter through unsterilized tools. Slug damage is the most consistent problem gardeners report with this cultivar.
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on paul's glory hosta?
Holes and ragged edges in leaf blades, often starting on the softer golden centre; seedlings may be entirely destroyed Set out iron phosphate bait in the evening; use beer traps; remove leaf litter near crowns to reduce daytime hiding spots
How do I get rid of deer on paul's glory hosta?
Foliage browsed to the petiole stubs, often repeatedly through the growing season Apply egg-solid or capsaicin-based repellent sprays; install motion-activated water jets; physical fencing is most reliable long-term
How do I get rid of rabbits on paul's glory hosta?
Young shoots and newly unfurling leaves cut cleanly at the base in spring Bury wire mesh around bed edges 6 inches deep; use rabbit repellent granules around the perimeter