Eaten. It had to be the rabbits. Deer don't like to bend over that far. I should be upset, but I just can't work up any sort of feeling for self-sown Malva Zebrinus. It's the Energizer Bunny of plants - cut it back, it resprouts, then blooms until a hard freeze. I pull it out, there are 10 seedlings the following Spring. I shouldn't let the little rats snack on it, it only encourages them. Guess I'll be pulling out the smelly repellant when the wind dies down.