Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

Slugs & Impatiens

...
slug descending 2 image by Scott Philbrook from Fotolia.com

Slugs are notorious for damaging flowers by ravishing their foliage. Impatiens (Impatiens wallerana) are no exception, and a severe slug infestation hinders the growth potential of this annual flower. Knowing how to protect and prevent slugs from invading impatiens gives the flowers a fighting chance against this slimy garden pest.

About

...
Slug balancing act image by marvinsparvin from Fotolia.com

Slugs are often thought to be a regular garden insect, however, they are classified as gastropods. Adult slugs lay three to forty eggs at a time. They thrive in high humidity environments, and are especially active on cloudy and foggy days, or in the evening.

Damage

The first sign of a slug infestation is a slimy trail left behind on impatiens’ foliage. Other signs include irregular holes in the impatiens’ foliage.

  • Slugs are notorious for damaging flowers by ravishing their foliage.
  • Impatiens (Impatiens wallerana) are no exception, and a severe slug infestation hinders the growth potential of this annual flower.

Treatment

Prune away damaged leaves from the impatiens. However, if the entire plant is infested with slugs, discard the plant. If the impatiens have minor damage, handpick the slugs off of the plant. Place slugs in a container of soapy water and discard.

Garden centers sell insecticides to spray around the impatiens' soil. Choose a spray that specifically indicates impatiens on the bottle.

Prevention/Solution

Slugs are mostly active in the evening. Watering early in the day gives the impatiens’ foliage enough time to dry out before night. Clean out flower beds where impatiens are planted every spring to remove slug eggs.

  • Prune away damaged leaves from the impatiens.
  • Garden centers sell insecticides to spray around the impatiens' soil.

Warning

Some gardeners sprinkle salt over the slugs to get rid of them. However, too much salt on the impatiens may cause more harm than good. Likewise, when using chemical sprays, do not spray directly onto the impatiens' foliage.

Environment

...
impatiens image by palms from Fotolia.com

Mulch planted around impatiens helps maintain moisture levels around the roots. However, excess mulch may foster a high humidity environment, thus inviting slugs to the impatiens. Add no greater than a 1-inch layer of mulch around impatiens if desired.

Related Articles

Slugs and Chrysanthemums
Slugs and Chrysanthemums
What Eats a Daisy?
What Eats a Daisy?
How to Get Rid of Aphids on Petunias
How to Get Rid of Aphids on Petunias
How to Get Rid of Snails and Slugs Naturally
How to Get Rid of Snails and Slugs Naturally
Impatiens & Spider Mites
Impatiens & Spider Mites
Problems With Dahlias
Problems With Dahlias
How to Prevent Rabbits from Eating Impatiens
How to Prevent Rabbits from Eating Impatiens
What Are the Pests of Gerbera Daisies?
What Are the Pests of Gerbera Daisies?
Why Do the Leaves on Impatiens Turn Yellow?
Why Do the Leaves on Impatiens Turn Yellow?
Impatiens & Ants
Impatiens & Ants
How to Care for Wilting & Browning Begonias
How to Care for Wilting & Browning Begonias
How to Rid a Yard of Slugs
How to Rid a Yard of Slugs
How to Save New Guinea Impatiens
How to Save New Guinea Impatiens
Hostas Care & Feeding
Hostas Care & Feeding
Slugs on Hostas: How to Control Them
Slugs on Hostas: How to Control Them
Do Geraniums Need Full Sun All Day?
Do Geraniums Need Full Sun All Day?
Garden Guides
×