With their wild character, knapweeds beautify perennial beds and natural gardens. They cope well with drought and normal garden soil and are considered very robust. In this guide we will clarify whether this also applies to their popularity among snails.
Is knapweed popular with snails?
Although snails are known to feed on almost all types of plants, theKnapweed(Centaurea)is spurned by animals. So there is no need to worry that they will attack the leaves and flowers.
Why do snails spare the knapweed?
Hairyand veryrough leaves,like those of the knapweed,becomeof snailsavoided. If the reptiles keep eating your plants mercilessly, knapweeds are a nice alternative to perennials that are extremely popular with animals, such as dahlias, hostas or marigolds.
What to do if snails nibble on all plants?
Even if there are many slimy crawlers in your garden, you shouldunder no circumstances use slug pellets Preparations with the active ingredient iron (III) phosphate are for private gardens and organic farming authorized. However, these agents also kill useful snails that help form humus and eat other snail eggs.
It is better to design the garden for snails. Plant predominantly snail-resistant plants such as knapweed. You can recognize these plants by their downy, hairy, leathery leaves or their thorny stems.
Tip
Knapweeds enchant with their unusual appearance
Because they have become rare in nature, dense stands of knapweed appear attractive and exotic. These pretty flowering plants also provide bees and butterflies with plenty of nectar and pollen and are therefore a valuable source of food.
