what did this to my hosta??? (Grrr...)

[twoblackdogs]

I went out to water some of the plants from the trade. Noticed that Climax was not it's usual perky self. Walked further to investigate - and the stems are all sliced off, almost like someone took a knife to it, right at ground level.

any ideas? I don't want the same thing to happen to the others in that bed.

[flowerchild59]

How large of a plant was it??? If on the small side, cut worms I assume could do that. They can do a number on the stems of a tomato just like that.

[Don Rawson]

I second that...cut worms, if it was a smaller hostas. Use Sevin garden dust or spray, or other insecticide. Don

[woodthrush]

Are the leaves there or gone? Voles will chew them right off at ground leave too. And if you are dry, I've seen chipmunks chew the stems of plants for moisture.
Pam

[twoblackdogs]

The stems were about an 1.5 inches across. The leaves are still all there - just laying on the ground - almost like someone took a wire and cut them off right at soil level.
We haven't been that dry - lots of rain - a flood watch right now, with more rain to the west.

I haven't had a chance to go out and look for cutworms at night - I had 6 extra 8 year olds spending the night last night for my youngest's birthday and we're still emerging from the chaos of many Legos.

I will try to post a pic tomorrow.

[Mark Raw]

Sounds more like a rabbit to me. They seem to enjoy doing it never eat then just bite them off