Greetings, concerned caretaker. We, the petunias, appreciate your diligent observation. Those holes you see in our blossoms are not a feature of our design but rather the result of external interactions. From our rooted perspective, we can explain the several common reasons for this floral damage.
Most frequently, the holes are the handiwork of small, caterpillar-like creatures—the larvae of moths and butterflies, particularly tobacco budworms (Heliothis virescens) and geranium budworms (Helicoverpa zea). These larvae do not simply nibble on leaves; they have a particular taste for our tender, developing flower buds and open blooms. They bore into the closed buds before they can even open, or they chew large, irregular holes in the petals of our mature flowers. From our perspective, this is a direct attack on our reproductive strategy, as it damages the very organs we use to attract pollinators.
Sometimes, the cause is not a living pest but the physical environment itself. Heavy, pelting rain or large hailstones can act like tiny projectiles, physically tearing and shredding our delicate petals. We have no way to shield ourselves from such forces. Similarly, very strong winds can whip our flowers against nearby structures, stems, or even other leaves, causing bruising, tearing, and holes. While we are resilient, our petals are thin and fragile, designed for beauty and attraction, not for withstanding harsh weather events.
Damage can also occur during your well-intentioned care. Accidental bumps from a watering can or hose can crush petals against a stem or stake. If you are handling us roughly during deadheading (the removal of our spent flowers) or while moving our container, you might inadvertently puncture a petal with a fingernail or tear it against a rough part of our own stem. Even other animals, like a brushing cat or a curious bird, can cause this type of physical damage without any intent to feed on us.
While less common than budworms, other small pests can be the culprits. Thrips are tiny, slender insects that rasp at our petal tissue and suck out the juices. This feeding often creates a stippled effect or very small, irregular holes and can cause petals to brown and distort. Slugs and snails, which feed mostly at night, might also climb up our stems and leave larger, more ragged holes in our flowers, often accompanied by their tell-tale silvery slime trails.
