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April 20, 2006 Deer-proof Plants Are a Myth There is no such thing as a deer-proof plant, says Ron Smith, North Dakota State University Extension horticulturist. “With increasing frequency, I am asked about what plants can be used in the landscape that are deer-proof," Smith says. “The only plants that I know of that are truly deer-proof are made of plastic, which are not plants, just ornaments. The deer-proof plant is a myth. Given a sufficient level of hunger and a herd mentality, any living plant that is even slightly green can become fair game for a meal.” Deer have a preference for certain plants and a delayed acceptance of others. Fruit trees, fruiting shrubs and vines are high on the preferred list. Anyone who attempts to grow these species in the country without protection quickly will find these plants are preferred by deer. Deer tend to avoid plants with strong scents, thus making the supposed deer-proof landscape into one that is realistically considered deer-resistant. Up to a point, certain chemicals will help repel deer and other nibbling rodents. The chemicals that can lay claim to being a repellent are Plantskydd, Hinder and Liquid Fence. “There are some anecdotal claims that a fertilizer from Milwaukee, known as Milorganite, works well at keeping deer at bay,” Smith says. “Try them all and see what works best for your landscape setting.” From observational studies, the following is a list of plants that deer will pass up, at least initially: lavender, hyacinths, salvia (especially the May Night cultivar), perennial phlox, Russian sage (Perovskia), daffodils, Echinacea, Rudbeckia (especially Goldstrum and Indian Summer), butterfly weed, Hellebore, foxglove, bleeding heart, delphinium, lily of the valley, ferns, perennial geranium, coreopsis and ornamental grasses. The plants have a strong scent, rough foliage or repugnant taste. “Tulips are making a showing now and are a favorite of bunnies and deer,” Smith says. “One trick that was passed on to me was to surround the tulips with daffodils and hyacinths to keep these nibbling pests away. I can't claim that it works, but anything is worth a try.” ### Source: Ron
Smith, (701) 231-8161, ronsmith@ndsuext.nodak.edu |
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North Dakota State University |
