Canna Lilies (Canna spp.) are popular garden additions, prized for their vibrant, tropical foliage and striking blooms. Gardeners frequently ask if these plants survive in areas with high deer populations. Canna Lilies are generally considered deer-resistant and are ranked low on deer preference lists. They are typically avoided by browsing deer, offering security for homeowners seeking a colorful landscape plant.
Classification of Canna Lilies
Canna Lilies earn their resistance reputation due to physical and chemical characteristics that make them unappealing to grazing animals. Horticulturists often classify them as “rarely damaged” or “seldom severely damaged” by deer. While not a guarantee, this indicates a strong natural deterrent compared to favored plants like hostas or tulips.
The primary physical deterrent is the foliage’s tough, leathery, and fibrous texture. Mature Canna leaves and stems are difficult for deer to chew and digest, making them a poor source of nutrition. Deer prefer tender, soft plant material that is quick to process, and the large, sword-shaped Canna leaves do not meet this preference.
Beyond physical toughness, the plants possess compounds that contribute to an unpleasant taste. Although specific alkaloid content is lower than in toxic plants like Daffodils, the bitter flavor deters casual browsing. Deer rely on smell and taste to identify palatable food, and this combination causes them to seek more agreeable forage options.
Situations When Deer Might Still Feed
The term “deer-resistant” does not mean “deer-proof,” as specific environmental conditions can override a deer’s natural avoidance. The greatest factor is extreme nutritional stress, such as severe drought or deep snow cover, which causes a scarcity of preferred food sources. When deer face starvation, they consume nearly any available plant material, including those they normally find unpalatable.
High deer population density also increases the likelihood of grazing damage. In overpopulated habitats, competition forces deer to eat plants they would otherwise ignore, leading to “taste-testing” of resistant plants. This non-selective browsing, driven by a dwindling food supply, can result in significant damage even to tough foliage.
Young, newly emerging Canna growth is particularly vulnerable to browsing damage. The fresh shoots and unfurled leaves are softer, more succulent, and less fibrous than mature foliage, making them easier to consume. Juvenile deer, who have not learned which plants to avoid, are also more prone to sampling plants with known deterrents.
Protecting Canna Lilies from Grazing
When Canna Lilies are planted in areas with known deer activity, proactive measures can significantly reduce browsing risk. Temporary physical barriers are one of the most effective solutions, especially for protecting vulnerable new growth. Simple netting or wire cages can be placed around emerging plants and removed once the foliage has matured and hardened.
Taste and scent repellents offer another layer of defense, particularly those formulated with putrescent egg solids that mimic predator activity. These repellents must be applied directly to the foliage and reapplied every seven to ten days, especially after rainfall, to maintain effectiveness. Rotating products prevents deer from becoming accustomed to a single deterrent smell or taste.
Strategic placement of Canna Lilies can leverage the deer’s natural caution. Positioning them close to a house, deck, or frequently trafficked area discourages deer, as they prefer to feed in quiet, sheltered locations. Interplanting Canna Lilies with fragrant, deer-repellent plants like lavender or allium can create a sensory barrier that steers browsing animals away from the area.