Asiatic lilies, known for their bright, upward-facing blooms and easy growth, are a popular choice for adding vibrant color to a garden setting. These flowers, which are true lilies belonging to the Lilium genus, are valued for their early summer appearance and wide array of colors. When considering these plants for a landscape with local wildlife, it is important to know that Asiatic lilies are not deer resistant. Instead, they are frequently selected by deer as a food source, especially when the plants are budding and growing. Gardeners should anticipate that these plants will require consistent protection to survive deer browsing.
Why Asiatic Lilies Are Highly Palatable
Deer are attracted to Asiatic lilies primarily because of their tender texture and lack of natural chemical defenses. The plants’ new growth, particularly the succulent leaves and developing flower buds, provides easily digestible forage. This soft foliage contrasts sharply with plants that contain milky sap, rough texture, or a strong, pungent odor. The bulbs and leaves of lilies do not contain the bitter-tasting or toxic compounds found in many other common garden bulbs, such as daffodils. Their relatively neutral taste and high moisture content make them a preferred food item, particularly in the spring and early summer when deer are seeking nutrient-rich vegetation.
Identifying Deer Damage on Lilies
Damage caused by white-tailed deer is distinct from the clean, angled cuts left by rabbits or groundhogs. Deer lack upper incisor teeth, meaning they must grasp and tear the plant material with their lower teeth and dental pad. This tearing action leaves a ragged, uneven edge on the remaining stem or leaf. Deer typically browse at a height ranging from a few feet above the ground up to six feet, often removing the entire flower bud or the top section of the stem overnight. If the damage is a clean, sharp cut close to the soil line, a smaller animal like a rabbit is the more likely culprit.
Practical Methods for Protecting Lilies
The most effective approach to protecting susceptible plants like Asiatic lilies involves using a combination of physical barriers and chemical deterrents. Relying on a single method is often insufficient, as deer can quickly become accustomed to any one defense. A temporary fence or netting placed around the lily patch can create an effective barrier. Since a deer can easily jump, permanent fencing must be at least seven to eight feet tall to prevent access. For smaller beds, a wire cage or a three-foot tall ring of poultry netting placed around individual plants can deter casual browsing.
Chemical repellents work by appealing to a deer’s sense of smell or taste, making the plant undesirable. Commercial sprays often contain ingredients like putrefied eggs or capsaicin and must be applied consistently. It is important to rotate between two or three different types of repellents, as deer can habituate to a single formula over time. Repellents should be reapplied every few weeks, and immediately after any significant rainfall or new plant growth. Scent-based deterrents, such as hanging bars of strongly scented soap or using motion-activated sprinklers, can also provide temporary relief, though these methods require constant monitoring and maintenance.
Truly Deer-Resistant Alternatives
Gardeners who wish to avoid the constant effort of deer protection can choose flowering bulbs that naturally repel wildlife. Deer-resistant plants typically possess a bitter taste, a strong aroma, or natural toxicity that makes them unpalatable. Ornamental Alliums, for example, are members of the onion family and contain sulfur compounds that emit a pungent odor deer avoid. Daffodils (Narcissus) are a strong alternative, as all parts of the plant contain the toxin lycorine. This compound is distasteful and toxic to deer, ensuring they are rarely bothered. Hyacinths also contain toxic bulbs and emit an intensely sweet fragrance that deer find unpleasant.