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Something has eaten my plants

jane17evjane17ev Posts: 4
in Problem solving
In March 2020 I removed a big wide conifer hedge (probably Leylandii) from a meter wide bed. In spring 2021 I sowed "cornfield" seeds, which grew into mainly massive Corncockle plants. I pulled them out in the early Autumn and planted my hollyhocks grown from seed last year, along with some perennials like Heuchera, Lavender, Rudbeckia and a few others. Now all except the lavender have been decimated by something leaving holes in every leaf. I can't see any evidence of the culprits but assume it perhaps was caterpillars. Some leaves are just skeletons. Any advice welcome. Should I cut back the Heucheras? I try not to use harmful substances in the garden but this is desperate.

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Hello Jane  :)
    It's possible that the leaves may have been attacked by vine weevil, but l'm not sure. It was your mention of heucheras that makes me think that. If possible could you dig up one of them and have a look at the roots, and see if there are any small white and brown grubs in the soil ?
    If you could post a couple of photos that would help.
  • jane17evjane17ev Posts: 4
    AnniD
    Many thanks. I will do as you suggest when it stops raining!
  • chickychicky Posts: 10,410
    edited December 2021
    Vine weevils make very distinctive notches around the edges of leaves……like this:



    Could be slugs?
  • jane17evjane17ev Posts: 4
    Hi Chicky. Having looked up Vine Weevil damage and looked at your photo I think it is safe to say it is not Vine Weevils as the holes are randomly all over the leaves, and definitely not radiating inwards from the edges of the leaves. Any other thoughts? Every plant in that border, about 11 meters long, is affected, except for lavender.
  • chickychicky Posts: 10,410
    Slugs would always be my first suspicion.
  • jane17evjane17ev Posts: 4
    Thank you. I will inspect further at night!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Tiny snails are very adept at making lots of tiny holes over foliage, whereas slugs tend to eat from the edges, but either way, it can be unsightly, and they can work their way through a fair few plants.
    Growing your plants 'hard' can help, and once they're more mature they can withstand the onslaught a bit better  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • halenajulie42halenajulie42 Posts: 13
    chicky said:
    Vine weevils make very distinctive notches around the edges of leaves……like this:



    Could be slugs?

    argh! its a very common problem. 
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