5 Slug Resistant Plants to Stop Slugs in Their Tracks

Slugs are the bane of my life in the garden. Eating hostas, chewing fern leaves and enjoying my white beans. They are persistent pests. And when the weather is wet, they would clap if they could, because that’s the perfect time to slip on slipperier surfaces in search of food sources.

Slugs can quickly get to work munching on a mountain of leaves, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake while making you feel exhausted when your hard work planting a flower border or vegetable garden is destroyed.

There are many ways to deter slugs and snails from your garden, including being smart with what you plant. When combined with other slug control methods, planting slug-resistant plants can do two things: prevent slugs from attacking your plants and add extra interest to your garden.

Here, with help from a plant retailer Crocusoverview of 5 slug-resistant plants to protect your garden from attacks.

How to know what to plant

Choosing the best plants to repel slugs can be a minefield when you’re surrounded by a myriad of options at a nursery. However, time spent researching plant traits that deter pests will be well spent.

Crocus says: “It’s best to choose plants that are naturally slug resistant because of their tough, hairy or aromatic foliage, which slugs find difficult to navigate or unappetizing. »

The right plants can create a natural barrier to prevent slugs from making their way into your garden without resorting to harsher methods that could harm the ecosystem.

1. Alchemilla mollis

Alchemiila mollis in planting foreground

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Alchemilla mollis, commonly known as lady’s mantle, is a perennial herb often grown as an ornamental. Crocus describes it as having “soft, hairy leaves that form pretty mounds, with chartreuse flowers from late spring to early summer.”

But what makes it unattractive to slugs? “The hairy texture of the leaves deters slugs, making it difficult for them to pass through the plant and feed on it,” says Crocus.

This magnificent specimen has vibrant light green leaves and flowers that form delicate clusters. It looks great at the front of a border against the edge of a path or when used as a ground cover.

Alchemilla mollis thrives in partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil.

Planting zone: 3-8

2. Lavandula angustifolia

English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia in flowerbed

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Lavandula angustifolia, English lavender, is a favorite among gardeners for its aromatic scent. It’s one among many plants that attract butterflies and other pollinators to our gardens. English lavender is a perennial shrub with narrow leaves and spikes of fragrant purple flowers, hardier than Spanish varieties.

Crocus says: “Its strong scent and leathery, aromatic leaves make it unattractive to slugs, which tend to avoid plants with strong scents and coarse foliage. »

It will perform best in full sun and well-drained soil.

Planting zone: 5-10

3. Heuchere

Heuchera plum pudding, coral bells

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Heuchera, Coral Bells, is a perennial herb known for its beautiful foliage. I have a few in my garden and admire their delicate, spiky flowers that extend from the compact scalloped leaves. They also come in a range of colors, so you can enjoy everything from silvery blue-gray foliage to pink, peach and deep plum.

But what do slugs hate about these late spring to summer flowering plants? “Thick, leathery leaves are less palatable to slugs, providing a natural defense against them,” says Crocus.

Heuchera thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil.

Planting zone: 4 to 9

4. Hellebore

Hellebore 'Ice N' Roses Red

(Image credit: Future)

The delicate nature of hellebores’ flowers, commonly known as hellebores, makes you wonder what could possibly be repelling slugs.

What sets these perennials apart, besides their glossy, evergreen foliage, are their elegant cup-shaped flowers that appear from late winter to early spring. They range from creamy white and green to pink and dark purple, many featuring delicate spots or veins in the flowers.

If we admire the flowers, slugs hate the foliage. “The tough, leathery leaves and toxic sap deter slugs, making them less likely to feed on these plants,” says Crocus.

Hellebores prefer partial to full shade and well-drained soil.

Planting zone: 3-9

5. Pulmonary

Pulmonaria pulmonaria with pink and blue flowers and variegated leaves

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Pulmonaria, also known as Lungwort, is an early flowering perennial. Once the bell-shaped pink, blue or white flowers fade, the showy foliage takes over. The oval or heart-shaped leaves may be speckled or variegated and have a clump-forming, low-growing habit.

However, for slugs, the leaves are no treat. “Pulmonaria’s hairy leaves and slightly toxic properties make it unattractive to slugs,” says Crocus.

Lungwort thrives in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Planting zone: 3-9