What Eats Coral Bells

If you’ve noticed ragged holes in the leaves of your beloved coral bells, you’re likely wondering what eats coral bells. These popular perennials, known for their stunning foliage, can attract a few common garden pests that nibble on their leaves.

Don’t worry, though. Identifying the culprit is the first step to protecting your plants. This guide will walk you through the common offenders and give you practical, effective solutions to keep your coral bells looking their best.

The damage you see can tell you a lot about who’s visiting. Here are the most likely suspects, from large mammals to tiny insects.

Larger Animals and Pests

Sometimes the damage is big and obvious. These animals can cause significant harm overnight.

Deer: While not their first choice, deer will eat coral bells, especially in spring when other food is scarce. They leave behind torn leaves and broken stems, often high up on the plant.
Rabbits: Rabbits are common nibblers. They create clean, angled cuts on leaves and stems low to the ground. You might also see their droppings nearby.
Voles: These small rodents can be a suprise problem. They gnaw on roots and crowns under the soil, which can cause the entire plant to wilt and collapse.
Slugs and Snails: The number one pest for coral bells. They feed at night, leaving irregular holes and a tell-tale silvery slime trail on the leaves.

Smaller Insects and Larvae

If you don’t see large animal signs, look closer. These tiny pests can be just as destructive.

Black Vine Weevil: The adult weevil notches leaf edges, but the real danger is its larvae. They live in the soil and eat the roots, often killing the plant.
Strawberry Root Weevil: Similar to the black vine weevil, both adults and larvae cause damage to leaves and roots.
Caterpillars: Various caterpillars, like the larvae of the Celery Looper moth, will munch on coral bell leaves, leaving large, ragged holes.
Leaf Miners: These pests tunnel between leaf layers, creating winding, white or tan trails or blotches on the foliage.

How to Identify the Culprit

Look for these specific signs to figure out who’s eating your plants.

Inspect the Damage Time: Check plants at dusk and dawn. This is when many pests, like slugs, are most active.
Examine the Leaf Damage: Clean cuts often point to rabbits. Ragged tears suggest deer. Irregular holes with slime mean slugs. Notched edges indicate weevils.
Look for Other Evidence: Search for footprints, droppings, slime trails, or the insects themselves hiding under leaves or in the soil.
Try a Monitoring Trap: Sink a small container of beer into the soil near the plant. If it fills with slugs, you’ve found your answer.

Effective Prevention and Control Methods

Once you know the pest, you can choose the right strategy. Start with the least toxic options first.

Barriers and Physical Controls

Stopping pests from reaching your plants is often the easiest solution.

Fencing: A sturdy 8-foot fence deters deer. Use a 2-foot high chicken wire fence buried a few inches deep to stop rabbits and voles.
Copper Tape: Apply adhesive copper tape around the rims of pots or garden beds. It gives slugs and snails a small shock, repelling them.
Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle this powder around plants. Its sharp edges cut soft-bodied pests like slugs and insects, causing them to dehydrate. Reapply after rain.
Hand-Picking: Go out at night with a flashlight and pick slugs and snails off your plants. Drop them into soapy water.

Natural and Organic Solutions

These methods work with nature to manage pest populations.

Encourage Beneficials: Attract birds, toads, and ground beetles to your garden. They eat slugs, insects, and larvae. A small bird bath or toad house can help.
Nematodes: For soil-dwelling weevil larvae, apply beneficial nematodes (Steinernema species) to the soil. They are a natural parasite that kills the grubs.
Iron Phosphate Baits: Use slug baits containing iron phosphate. They are safe for pets, wildlife, and children when used as directed, and effectively kill slugs.
Neem Oil: This organic oil can deter leaf-eating insects like weevils and disrupt the life cycle of some pests. Spray in the evening to avoid harming bees.

Cultural Practices for Healthier Plants

Healthy plants are more resilient. Good garden habits prevent many problems.

Water in the Morning: This allows leaves to dry by nightfall, making the environment less inviting for slugs and fungal diseases.
Clean Up Debris: Remove fallen leaves and plant debris in autumn and spring. This eliminates hiding spots for slugs, snails, and insect eggs.
Choose Resistant Varieties: Some coral bells, like ‘Palace Purple’ or ‘Obsidian’, have tougher leaves that are slightly less appealing to slugs.
Avoid Excessive Mulch: A thick layer of mulch right against the crown provides a perfect home for slugs and voles. Keep mulch thin and away from the plant base.

Step-by-Step Recovery for Damaged Plants

If your coral bells have been nibbled, here’s how to help them bounce back.

Remove Severely Damaged Leaves: Carefully cut away any leaves that are more than 50% damaged. Use clean, sharp pruners. This encourages new growth.
Apply a Balanced Fertilizer: Feed the plant with a gentle, balanced fertilizer to give it a boost of energy for recovery. Don’t over-fertilize, as this can attract more pests.
Ensure Consistent Watering: Stressed plants need consistent moisture. Water at the base to keep leaves dry and promote strong root growth.
Monitor Closely: Keep a close eye on the plant for the next few weeks. Reapply control methods if you see new pest activity.

FAQ: Common Questions About Coral Bells Pests

Q: Are coral bells deer resistant?
A: Coral bells are often listed as deer resistant, but not deer proof. When food is scarce, deer may still eat them, especially the flower stalks. Using a deer repellent spray can provide extra protection.

Q: What is making holes in my heuchera leaves?
A: Holes in heuchera (coral bells) leaves are most commonly caused by slugs or snails. Caterpillars and weevils can also create holes or notches. Look for slime trails or inspect the plant at night to confirm.

Q: How do I stop slugs from eating my coral bells?
A> A multi-pronged approach works best. Combine copper tape barriers, nightly hand-picking, iron phosphate bait, and encouraging natural predators like birds. Keeping the area dry and free of hiding spots is also crucial.

Q: Do rabbits eat heuchera plants?
A: Yes, rabbits will eat coral bells. They typically leave clean-cut damage on the lower leaves and stems. A low physical fence is the most reliable way to keep them out.

Q: Why are my coral bells wilting even with water?
A: If the leaves are wilting but the soil is moist, the problem could be below ground. Check for vole tunneling or root damage from weevil larvae (grubs). Gently dig around the crown to investigate.

With a bit of detective work and the right strategies, you can protect your coral bells from pests that nibble. Remember, the goal is managment, not always complete elimination. A healthy garden has a balance, and by starting with gentle methods, you can enjoy your beautiful, colorful foliage for many seasons to come.