As the days are getting cooler, the deer are out and about in the search for food. Where I live in Rhode Island, they venture out at dusk. My dogs know they are there much before I do. Many times, I find out the next morning when I notice my plants are gone. They are so bold; they even eat the Hosta at the front door.
Customers are always asking me, what plants deer will not eat. One can never guarantee that they will not eat a particular plant.
When hungry enough, myself included, you may eat things that are not your favorites. I have never eaten liver, however, if I did not have any food, and that was the only choice... I may just try it.
The way I look at it is the Favorite List- Chocolate Lover List and the Non-desirable List- Liver List.
If you have deer, plants to stay away from – Chocolate Lover List
Arborvitae, Daylilies, Hosta, Impatiens, Tulip, Elephant Ear, Rose, Sunflower, Hydrangea, Burning Bush, Sedum, Caladium, Hemlock, Rhododendron and the list can go on.
The “Non-desirable List” plants that deer may avoid – Liver List
Trees/Shrubs: Japanese Maple, Kousa dogwood, Japanese cedar, Colorado Spruce, Norway Spruce, Leyland Cypress, White Pine, Barberry, Heather, Rose of Sharon, Potentilla, Spirea , Holly, Crape Myrtle, Bayberry, Sassafras and Yucca
Perennials/Annuals/Bulbs: Yarrow, Allium, Columbine, Artemisia, Astilbe, Sweet William, Foxglove, Hyacinth, Daffodils, Lavender, Bee Balm, Russian Sage, Rosemary, Mint, Lamb’s Ear, Cat Mint, Ageratum, Dusty Miller, Snapdragon, Verbena, Geranium and Morning Glory
Groundcover/Border: Liriope, Pachysandra, Myrtle
Along with selecting the proper plants, you should protect your investment by using a Deer Repellant, such as Liquid Fence or Deer Off. It is important to follow the instructions on the back for best results. These do work when applied properly.
Another option is installing a deer fence. The fence would need to be at least 7 feet high so the deer cannot jump over it.
I hope this information was a help. A hungry deer will eat almost any kind of plant, even if it is usually one they avoid. Good Luck!
