We all love the magical sight of a graceful deer roaming around in the wild. They are powerful, beautiful, and peaceful creatures. However, they are not exactly a joy to have around for those with gardens and hedging in Colorado.
Deer are herbivores, and as such they love to snack on plants such as shrubs and flowers throughout the day. This leads homeowners to wake up to completely decimated garden areas. So, what can you plant to deter this?
Plants That Deers Dislike.
Truth be told, there are no totally ‘deer resistant’ plants. Deer will eat virtually any form of plant if it is available to them. But, you don’t need to be discouraged. There are a few species of plant that are less appealing to deer, and will discourage them from eating them if they are around
Lavender
This charming little flower is a favorite among fragrance makers because it has a welcoming and pleasant aroma--that is, if you’re a human. Deer are most definitely not the biggest fans of the aroma, and will steer clear of it if they can help it.
Salvia.
Salvia is another excellent addition to your garden as it will add some vibrant color during late spring to early fall. They are great for attracting pollinators and even hummingbirds--but deer are not going to love being around them.
Purple Coneflower.
The purple coneflower is a nice and pleasant addition to your garden. They have a soft coloration that can make an outdoor space feel very relaxing. They tend to deter deer because they have thick and hearty foliage that deer dislike dealing with.
Lilac.
Lilacs are a shrub that carry a very strong scent that deer do not enjoy. You can plant these bushes throughout your garden and around your home to add exotic color and a delicate feel. White, purple, and Persian lilacs are great for the Colorado region.
Sumac.
Fragrant sumac grows low and spreads out--this makes it a nice ground cover for your garden space. The fragrant nature of sumac deters deer fairly well, and can help cover your other flowers and plants in their scent. There are several species of sumac that are reportedly good at preventing deer from munching on plants.
Juniper.
Juniper is great for deterring deer for two reasons: It is a very prickly plant, this causes deer to be very cautious when approaching it, and it is incredibly aromatic. This is another scent that humans tend to enjoy, but deer are not excited about.
Final Thoughts.
So, as you can see, the scent of a plant is generally what keeps deer away. Deer find certain aromas to be very unpleasant, and will steer clear of them whenever possible. However, you should remember that a deer, when hungry enough, will eat anything. No plant is completely deer proof--but you can still try! If all else fails, you can try using deer repellant on your plants to see if that helps.
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