Anemone, commonly known as Windflower, is a popular perennial valued for its colorful blooms that often appear in spring or fall. For homeowners, the threat of deer browsing can determine which plants successfully thrive. Understanding the relationship between these flowers and local deer populations is a frequent concern for those maintaining a vibrant garden landscape.
Anemone’s Deer Resistance Status
Anemones are generally classified as highly deer-resistant plants, making them a reliable choice for gardens where deer are present. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, Anemone varieties are low on the menu for browsing ungulates. Deer typically prefer softer vegetation, choosing Anemone only when preferred food sources are unavailable.
The primary reason for this aversion lies in the plant’s natural chemical defense mechanism. Anemone species contain protoanemonin, a mild toxin found throughout the plant. When the tissue is damaged, such as by a deer taking a bite, protoanemonin is released, creating an intensely bitter and irritating taste. This unpleasant experience quickly conditions the deer to avoid further consumption.
Most common garden varieties, including the Japanese Anemone (Anemone × hybrida) and the Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa), share this protective chemical trait. This resistance is consistent across various types of Anemone, providing security regardless of the specific cultivar.
Situational Variables Affecting Browsing
The classification of Anemone as deer-resistant is based on normal conditions, but external factors can override a deer’s natural aversion. The most significant variable is extreme food scarcity, such as during severe drought or deep winter when natural forage is depleted. Under such pressure, a hungry deer will graze on plants it would normally ignore.
Local deer population density also plays a large role in browsing pressure. High numbers of deer increase competition for food, leading to more exploratory feeding behavior and a higher likelihood of resistant plants being damaged. Repeated testing by many animals can still result in significant damage.
The maturity and growth stage of the plant can also influence its vulnerability. New growth, such as tender spring shoots, may contain fewer defensive compounds than fully mature leaves, making them slightly more tempting. Taller plants are also more easily noticed and accessible.
Mitigation and Protection Methods
Given that resistance is not absolute, gardeners in high-pressure environments can employ several strategies to protect their Anemones. Physical barriers offer the most reliable form of protection by eliminating access. Temporary netting can be placed around young, newly established plants, which are the most vulnerable.
Low, inconspicuous fencing, such as a wire fence 3 to 4 feet high, can deter deer from grazing specific beds, as they are hesitant to jump into confined spaces. For maximum protection against determined deer, a fence must be at least 6 feet high.
Repellents
Repellents provide another layer of defense and are typically categorized as either taste-based or scent-based. Taste-based repellents (e.g., rotten eggs or capsaicin) are applied directly to the foliage to make the plant taste foul. Scent-based options use strong odors (e.g., putrescent egg solids or blood meal) to signal danger or decay, discouraging deer from entering the area.
For repellents to remain effective, they require reapplication after rain and should be rotated periodically to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single scent or flavor.
Companion Planting
Companion planting involves placing highly fragrant, deer-avoided plants near the Anemones. These strongly scented plants help mask the presence of the Anemones, making the entire garden bed less appealing to browsing deer. Examples include:
- Lavender
- Marigolds
- Alliums