Mountain knapweeds are often used for snail-proof planting. Here you can find out how safe the plant is from snails and why the animals rarely pose a threat to the perennial.
Are mountain knapweeds often attacked by snails?
Basicallysnails disdain mountain knapweed. The voracious slug in particular has no taste for the perennial herb. You can use the snail-resistant perennial wonderfully to create snail-resistant beds in your garden.
Why don't snails eat mountain knapweed?
Thebitter substances contained in the plant do not taste good to snails. The easy-care mountain knapweed (Centaurea montana) keeps snails away even without you doing anything. If you have planted a bed with this daisy family (Asteraceae), you do not have to spread slug pellets on site or collect the animals from the bed.
How safe are young mountain knapweeds from snails?
Onlyyoung sprouts can fall victim to snails. A young plant does not have as much bitter substances in its shoots as a fully grown mountain knapweed. Would you like to protect freshly growing perennials from snails? Use these measures:
- Prefer plants in the apartment or in the garden house
- Planting mountain knapweed on dry ground
- Use flowers that snails don’t like as planting partners
Once the mountain knapweed has large leaves, the snails no longer come too close to the plant. You can plant the perennials nutrient-rich or sparse.
Do knapweeds scare away other animals besides snails?
While snails disdain mountain knapweed, the plant ispopular with bees The flowers of the mountain knapweed have a high decorative value. During the flowering period, they provide many species of bees and bumblebees on the mountain knapweed with nectar and pollen. The mountain knapweed is very useful for insects. While you scare away snails, you invite wild bees and bumblebees into your garden with the bee pasture and do something for the preservation of the species.
Which locations provide snail-proof mountain knapweed plants?
The mountain knapweed isundemandingandversatile plantable. The only thing you should avoid is a surface that is too wet and waterlogged. This type of aster with its beautiful buds and purple flower color grows best in partial shade. Bring the sowing through the year. The plant is hardy, multiplies easily and spreads well if the mountain knapweed is cared for properly. If propagation has occurred and large mountain knapweeds are present, snails will avoid the bed with the bitter lanceolate leaves.
Tip
Use mountain knapweed as a cut plant
The look and flower shape of this perennial are reminiscent of the related cornflower. In addition, the plant, which is widespread in Europe, has lush summer green leaves with which it also enriches many woody edges. In summer, cut a few stems with flowers from the plant and place them in a vase. The cut flowers create an appealing rural flair.
