A question on hosta damage

[redcrx]

Something hit one of my small Fragrant Bouquet and cut some leaves off. I thought maybe a rabbit munching. It only liked Fragrant Bouquet. That's Guacamole to the left, Gypsy Rose to the right and Stained Glass behind it.

[nimblewill]

I think you may be right about the rabbit. On the other hand it might be a squirrel. (Now that was helpful.) I'd keep an eye out for additional damage.If there is none, breath a sigh of relief and let the plant fix itself.

A number of years ago I had a planting of a dozen or so Undulatas that a rabbit laid claim to. Interestingly, the rabbit munched on only one plant, but did it frequently. The plants were identical, having been divided from a common mother and being grown in the same bed. So rabbits can be creatures of habit. If you see repetitive damage, you might want to invest in some of the chicken wire that stands about 18 inches high. Unfortunately, the wabbit may just move on to another of your plants.

In my case, I found that running out the front door, waving my arms and yelling whenever I saw The Rabbit helped. Since this was a city rabbit, it was terrified - TERRIFIED, I tell you - of humans. OK, so the rabbit didn't go very far, but I felt better.

Longer term, an outside cat will definitely discourage rabbits. Or a dog, maybe. I suppose a stalking cat would do less damage to the hostas than a running dog.

If the damage was done by a squirrel, it probably won't come back to the same plant. Squirrels can be randomly destructive, unpredictable and, in general, evil. Other than their love of destructive behavior, though, squirrels don't seem to be creatures of habit.

Good luck.

[redcrx]

Yes it could be squirrels. Their ratio is about ten to one rabbit. We also have chipmonks about 20 to 1. But basically it look random and didn't chop the whole plant.

[ViolaAnn]

Looks like the damage done to my tulips by the squirrels. Chomp, and spit it out. Wouldn't bother me so much if they'd just eat it.