Ugh. Sounds like it got animalized.

Yep, I'm afraid that is the case. I'm skert to put another bought one there for fear of the same thing happening. I should have some seedlings that I am growing to put there soon, that way it wouldn't be a major loss if it happened again.

I just bought a 2 1/2 Gallon Kross Regal from NH Hostas that I may replace it with. To me they are similar looking, but from what I understand KR grows much faster.

Can you plant it in a cage of hardware cloth to thwart the voles? Just 4 sides and a bottom, wired with twist ties to make an open top box. The roots can grow thru it and at worst the critters will only do a little root pruning. Methinks you need to do something, because now THEY know where the good stuff is and will bring their friends and relatives to the feast.

-Babka

Yeah, I was thinking about that. I live fairly close to a Home Depot so, I will drop by and get some.

So, is it my understanding you make a box out of the hardware cloth, and set the crown of the plant down in it ?

LOL, Thanks babka. I don't always bleed easily, but when I do I prefer to bleed on my Hostas.