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Violas being munched

LindzHLindzH Posts: 37
in Problem solving
Good morning all,  nice to have spring here with lots happening, to do and starting to bloom. 
I noticed a few of my viola flowers have been chewed almost completely and wondered what it might be? See photo
The pansy hasn't had the same damage it's got a number of small holes in the flowers. So would it be 2 different pests causing the problem? Couldn't see anything lurking under the leaves. 
Any advice would be appreciated. 
They're all growing in pots. 
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Posts

  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    My violas had been munched, then I found a muntjac deer in the garden. It shot off when it saw me. We are in the middle of a village.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They're slug fodder unfortunately @LindzH . Both scenarios are typical. Captive audience for them in containers  :/
    Not a lot you can do unless you methodically go out at night, pick them off and dispatch them, or use slug pellets. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    edited March 2023
    Yes, I agree with @Fairygirl, slugs. Muntjac don't just eat flowers or leave little holes in them. Mine were closely mown. Still feeling cross with it. Last year I caught it nipping off all my tulip flowers.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • LindzHLindzH Posts: 37
    Thanks! I didn't think they would be causing both problems. Rain due today so hopefully I'll catch them in action.
  • janetfossjanetfoss Posts: 303
    Watch out for vine weevils too (although that isn't the issue here).
     My neighbour told me yesterday that his pots of violas were flowering beautifully until they died suddenly. He lifted them out of the pots and discovered not a single root was left on any of the plants.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited March 2023
    Looks like a bird, possibly a house sparrow,  has been pecking.  The leaves look just a bit oakleaf-shaped as they sometimes grow.

    Here are my "viola theatres" in August.




     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited March 2023
    I've seen "auricula" theatres at the National Trust properties: Calke Abbey and Greys Court.  Both do violas when auriculas are not in season.  Calke Abbey in know doesn't grow them themselves.  I guess the nursery might supply them free as a marketing promotion.

    My plants came from two mixed dozens.  If I hadn't been such a cheapo, I might have got a more varied selection.

    I think the hand-made antique pots add a certain je ne sais quoi.

    And here is my "wild" Viola,  odorata I think.  I have muddy-pink and deep violet ones that I think were garden escapes.


     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • Slow-wormSlow-worm Posts: 1,630
    edited March 2023
    Yes, slug fodder is right - I keep mine in pots with copper tape round the top, it keeps the critters out.

  • bullfinchbullfinch Posts: 692
    @bédé that is a lovely garden you have. What a great idea to display those flowers in pots like that. I might pinch it!
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I potted on my pansies from last years sown seed,  there were slugs under the pots,  just waiting to come out after dark. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

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