Are there any shade-loving plants that are resistant to slugs (or that slugs don't like)?

Question

I have some hostas in a rock garden, in a very shady spot, that look just terrible, holes all over the leaves, and I know it's from slugs. Honestly, rather than combat the slugs, I think I'd like to plant something else there, something low or shrub-like maybe. I live in Michigan, for zone reference.

Anyone have ideas for plants that could do well in a spot like this? Looking for something fairly easy, low to medium maintenance.

Answer 1

Plants with thicker foliage are more resistant to slug damage because it is more difficult for these slimy creatures to chew through their leaves. One slug resistant variety of Hosta is 'Love Pat'.
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_plants_sun_shade/article/0,1785,HGTV_4396_4190738,00.html

Hosta "Great Expectations" is also slug resistant:
http://www.parkseed.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10101&catalogId=10101&langId=-1&mainPage=prod2working&ItemId=44053&PrevMainPage=gatepage&scChannel=Gate%20FAQIndex&OfferCode=TH1

Heuchera has proven resistant to slugs, spider mites, white flies and an assortment of other pests.
http://www.terranovanurseries.com/wholesale/modules.php?name=FAQ&myfaq=yes&id_cat=3&categories=Growing

Other shade perennials that slugs avoid – Alum root, Astilbe, & Bleeding-hearts.

Lungworts (Pulmonaria species) are shade-loving groundcovers that doesn't appeal to slugs:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/homegarden/2002583279_planttalk26.html

This forum discusses shade plants that are resistant to slugs:Tradescantia andersonia Spiderwort, Violas, Lobelia Cardinalis, wild ginger, Iris, Coral Bells, Brunnera, Trilliums, Jack in the Pulpits, Chelone, Ferns, Loosetrifes, Solomon's Seal.
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/shade/msg091050582994.html

Good Luck! Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Slug Resistant Plants

Answer 3

I actually live in Michigan also. I have a few shade plants and prefer my ferns. I think that Japanese ferns are very pretty and I have not had slug problems at all!