If you are a gardener, you may have heard the phrase “deer-resistant” thrown around. Unfortunately, no plant is truly deer-proof.
While there are certain plants that deer tend to avoid, they will often eat anything if they are hungry enough. Chrysanthemums, or mums for short, are no exception.
Do Deer Eat Mums? Quick Answer
Yes, deer eat mums. In fact, mums are a favorite food of deer, especially when other food sources are scarce. They are attracted to the bright colors and the tender leaves and flowers of the mums.
How to Protect Your Garden from Deer
While there is no guaranteed way to keep deer out of your garden, there are a few methods you can try to deter them:
Fencing
One of the most effective ways to keep deer out of your garden is to install a fence. A sturdy fence that is at least eight feet tall can be an effective barrier. Be sure to bury the fence at least a foot into the ground to prevent deer from digging under it.
Deer-Repellent Plants
Deer can be a nuisance for gardeners, as they often eat a variety of plants, including flowers. However, there are some flowers that deer tend to avoid.
According to the search results, some examples of flowers that deer do not eat include lavender, poppy, daffodil, vinca, coneflower, iris, verbena, bleeding heart, Virginia bluebells, black-eyed susans, and peonies [1][2].
In general, deer tend to dislike heavily fragranced flowers [2]. However, it’s important to keep in mind that deer may still eat these flowers if there are no other food sources available, or if they are particularly hungry.
Additionally, certain types of flowers, such as daylilies, may be more susceptible to deer feeding [3]. Overall, while there is no guarantee that deer will not eat certain flowers, planting some of the aforementioned varieties may help deter them from your garden.
There are certain plants that deer tend to avoid. Planting these around your garden can help to deter deer. Some examples of deer-repellent plants include:
Perennials that deer won’t eat
Deer can cause significant damage to a garden, especially when it comes to flowers and other plants. Fortunately, there are many perennials that deer tend to avoid.
Some popular perennials that deer won’t eat include alyssum, irises, peonies, foxgloves, poppies, bee balm, and herbs like lavender and sage [1][2]. Shade plants that deer are less likely to eat include ferns, such as the Japanese Painted Fern and the Ostrich Fern [3].
It’s important to keep in mind that while these perennials are considered deer-resistant, there is no guarantee that deer won’t eat them if there are no other food sources available or if the deer population is particularly hungry.
Shade perennials that deer won’t eat
Deer-resistant shade perennials can be a great addition to any garden, as they allow you to enjoy beautiful plants without worrying about them being eaten by deer. After searching the web, I have found several options that you might consider:
One option is lungwort, a shade perennial that features pretty spotted or variegated foliage with sprays of pink or blue flowers in the spring. This plant is deer-resistant and makes a great companion for other deer-resistant, spring-flowering bulbs such as narcissus and scilla
Another option is barrenwort, a strongly deer-proof perennial that features creeping rhizomes and produces delicate white, yellow, and pink spring flowers. This plant can spread in clumps and is deer-resistant, making it a great choice for shady gardens
Overall, there are plenty of shade-loving perennials that feature characteristics such as hairy leaves, spines, toughness, or strong aroma, all of which deer tend to avoid. Therefore, choosing these types of plants can help ensure that deer won’t eat your garden and that you can enjoy a beautiful and thriving garden all year round.
Deer-Repellent Sprays
There are also sprays available that can help to repel deer. These sprays contain a scent that deer find unappealing. Be sure to follow the instructions on the spray carefully, as some may need to be reapplied after rain.
Noise-Making Devices
Some gardeners swear by noise-making devices like motion-activated sprinklers or wind chimes. These can startle deer and cause them to run away.
Conclusion for Do Deer Eat Mums?
While mums are not deer-resistant, there are steps you can take to protect your garden from deer. Try installing a fence, planting deer-repellent plants, using deer-repellent sprays, or using noise-making devices. By taking these steps, you can enjoy a beautiful garden without having to worry about hungry deer.
FAQ
What is the most deer-resistant plant?
There are several plants that are known to be resistant to deer. Among them, the crown imperial, also known as fritillaria, is one of the most dramatic and colorful bulbs that repel hungry wildlife due to their skunk-like smell [1]. Other deer-resistant plants include salvia, foxglove, and geranium, among others [2][3].
Do rabbits eat mums?
Mums, or chrysanthemums, are not a preferred food for rabbits. While rabbits may eat the occasional mum leaf, they generally avoid them due to their bitter taste [2].
Do deer eat geraniums?
Deer typically do not eat geraniums, as they are considered deer-resistant plants [2].
What is a deer’s favorite flower?
There is no definitive answer to what a deer’s favorite flower is, as it may vary depending on the region and the availability of food. However, deer are known to be attracted to plants that are high in sugar and protein, such as hostas and daylilies, among others [1].
What plant smell do deer hate the most?
Deer have a strong sense of smell and are often deterred by plants that emit strong odors. Plants with fragrant leaves, such as lavender, catmint, and yarrow, are known to repel deer. Other plants with a strong odor that deer dislike include garlic, onion, and herbs like sage and thyme.
Will Irish Spring soap keep deer away?
Irish Spring soap is often touted as a natural remedy for deterring deer, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Some gardeners have reported success using Irish Spring soap as a deer repellent, while others have found it to be ineffective. It is important to note that using Irish Spring soap as a deer repellent may not be a long-term solution and may require regular replacement.
Do coffee grounds keep deer away?
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that coffee grounds repel deer. While some gardeners have reported success using coffee grounds as a natural deer repellent, the effectiveness of this method is uncertain.
Does aluminum foil keep deer away?
Aluminum foil may be used as a visual deterrent to deer in the garden, as the reflective surface may startle them and prevent them from entering the area.
However, there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of this method, and it may not be a long-term solution.
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