Plants that slugs are more likely to leave alone
Slug-resistant plants
Slug-resistant plants
Some plants are simply less appealing to slugs and snails. Tougher leaves, aromatic foliage, hairy surfaces and firmer stems can all make a plant less inviting, which is why slug-resistant plants can be such useful choices in borders where mollusc damage is a recurring problem. This collection brings together perennials and other garden plants that are generally less vulnerable than softer, more succulent favourites, helping you build planting that is better able to hold its shape through the growing season.
No plant is completely slug proof, especially when young growth first emerges, but choosing the right varieties can reduce the amount of damage you see. Many plants slugs tend to avoid also bring plenty of garden value in their own right, from scented foliage and textured leaves to flowers that support bees and other pollinators. Combining several slug-resistant perennials through a border can be particularly useful in damp or sheltered parts of the garden, where slugs are often most active.
Think of this collection as a way to work with plant characteristics rather than against them. Place more vulnerable plants where they can be watched closely, then use slug-resistant garden plants to carry more of the surrounding structure. Established plants are usually better able to withstand occasional nibbling, and thoughtful planting can reduce the need to intervene while keeping the border varied, seasonal and well balanced.