Campanula, commonly known as Bellflower, is a genus of herbaceous perennials prized for its delicate, bell-shaped blooms in shades of blue, purple, and white. They are a popular choice for gardens due to their varied growth habits and low maintenance requirements. Homeowners often wonder if these attractive ornamentals are resistant to deer browsing. Bellflowers are generally considered less appealing to deer, but this resistance is nuanced and dependent on environmental factors.
Categorizing Campanula Resistance
Campanula species are typically classified as deer-resistant, meaning they are not a preferred food source, though the degree of resistance varies significantly. Studies rating plants based on damage levels often place Bellflowers in a category indicating they are “occasionally severely damaged.” This classification suggests that while deer usually pass them by, they are not immune to browsing.
The plant’s inherent characteristics contribute to its lower palatability. Many deer-resistant plants possess strong scents, fuzzy textures, or unpalatable sap, which discourages consumption. While Campanula does not have a strong aroma, it lacks the tender, highly preferred foliage that deer actively seek out.
Resistance differs among the hundreds of Campanula species. For example, the native Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia) is often listed as deer-resistant due to its finer, more delicate structure. Taller species like Peachleaf Bellflower (Campanula persicifolia) are also classified as resistant, but their prominent foliage may make them more visible targets during scarcity. No Bellflower variety is fully deer-proof, but their general resistance makes them a better choice than highly palatable alternatives like Hostas or Tulips.
Why Deer Sometimes Eat Bellflowers
Despite their classification, deer will sometimes consume Bellflowers. This behavior is usually a reaction to external pressures rather than a preference for the plant itself. When natural food sources become scarce, deer broaden their diet to include plants they would normally avoid.
Extreme environmental conditions, such as severe drought or harsh winters, drastically reduce the availability of preferred forage. This forces deer to eat less appealing plants to survive. High population density also increases feeding pressure, compelling deer to consume whatever is available in a landscape.
New growth in the spring is another vulnerable period. The fresh shoots and tender buds emerging after winter are often more succulent and palatable than the mature foliage later in the season. Deer may sample and damage these newly emerging portions of the plant, even if they dislike the taste of the mature leaves.
Protecting Your Campanula Plants
Gardeners can employ several practical strategies to minimize the risk of deer damage to their Bellflowers. The most reliable method of exclusion is the installation of physical barriers, though this is not always practical. Fences must be at least eight feet tall to effectively deter deer from jumping into a protected area.
For smaller gardens or individual plants, temporary enclosures such as netting or wire mesh cages provide a targeted defense. Another technique involves laying wire mesh flat on the ground around the plants. The unstable texture underfoot can make deer reluctant to walk near the area.
Repellents offer a non-physical barrier by making the plants taste or smell unpleasant. Commercial repellents containing ingredients like egg solids or capsaicin must be applied consistently and according to package directions, often after heavy rain or new growth. It is helpful to rotate the type of repellent used, as deer can become accustomed to a single deterrent. Strategic planting also offers a simple defense; placing Bellflowers closer to the house or near plants with a strong, repulsive scent can help shield them from browsing.