Daisies are common garden flowers, known for their bright, cheerful appearance. Gardeners often wonder if these classic flowers can withstand browsing by local deer populations. Understanding the plant’s natural defenses is key to successfully incorporating daisies into a deer-prone environment.
The General Resistance of Daisies to Deer
Daisies are not a preferred food source for deer, placing them in the category of moderately resistant garden plants. While deer will not typically seek them out, they are not entirely immune to browsing.
The resistance level depends highly on the availability of other, more palatable food sources in the area. When natural forage is scarce, such as during dry spells or late winter, deer will often sample plants they would normally ignore. Daisies are more accurately described as “rarely preferred,” making them a safer choice than many other common ornamentals.
Plant Characteristics That Deter Deer Browsing
The natural defense of the daisy family stems from a combination of physical and chemical properties. Many common daisy varieties possess a strong, sometimes pungent aroma that deer find unappealing, acting as an immediate deterrent.
The foliage also contains compounds that impart a bitter or unpleasant taste, causing deer to quickly reject plants that are not appetizing. Furthermore, the leaves and stems of certain types of daisies have a coarse, rough, or slightly hairy texture. This texture acts as a physical barrier, as deer typically prefer plants with soft, smooth foliage.
Varying Resistance Among Daisy Species
Resistance levels vary significantly across the different types of plants gardeners call “daisies.” Perennial varieties like the Painted Daisy (Tanacetum coccineum) are often highly resistant due to their notably strong scent and bitter sap.
The well-known Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum) is generally resistant but may be occasionally damaged, especially the newer, softer growth. In contrast, the Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) is considered less resistant and may be severely damaged when deer are hungry. The softer, more tender foliage of the Gerbera lacks the robust physical and chemical defenses of its perennial cousins.
Mitigation Techniques for High-Traffic Deer Areas
For gardeners in areas with significant deer activity, relying solely on a daisy’s natural resistance is often not enough. Installing a physical barrier remains the most effective deterrent, with fencing needing to be at least eight feet high to prevent jumping. A less visible option is to use fine mesh netting placed over the plants during peak browsing seasons.
Topical repellents can also be applied directly to the plants to discourage feeding. These products often utilize foul-tasting ingredients like putrescent egg solids or strong scents like garlic and capsaicin. Gardeners can also strategically plant daisies near highly aromatic, deer-repellent plants, such as Russian sage or lavender, to mask their scent and discourage deer from entering the area.