Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are among the most popular and versatile perennial flowers, celebrated by gardeners for their vibrant colors and exceptional hardiness. Their easy-to-grow nature and long blooming season make them a common sight in landscaping. This widespread popularity often puts them directly in conflict with local deer populations, leading to a common problem for homeowners. The question of whether these beautiful plants can survive the appetite of a hungry deer is a major concern for anyone planning a garden in an area with deer activity.
Palatability Rating of Daylilies
Daylilies are not generally considered deer-resistant plants; their tender foliage and nutrient-rich buds are quite palatable to browsing animals. Horticultural ratings often categorize daylilies as “Occasionally Severely Damaged,” meaning deer will consume them when preferred food sources are unavailable or when local deer pressure is high. The plant lacks the strong aromatic oils, bitter tastes, or toxic compounds that naturally deter deer from other species.
The most appealing parts of the plant are the new shoots in early spring and the flower buds themselves. Deer often target the succulent, unopened buds, selectively eating the developing flowers just before they open, thereby eliminating the entire bloom display. While deer will consume the leaves, the destruction of the flower buds is often the most noticeable and frustrating damage for gardeners.
Factors Influencing Deer Browsing
The primary factor determining whether deer will consume daylilies is the local population density, often referred to as deer pressure. In areas with high deer populations and limited natural forage, deer are more likely to resort to eating less desirable plants, including daylilies. A hungry deer will consume almost any vegetation, regardless of its typical resistance rating.
The seasonality of the plant also plays a large part in its vulnerability, especially in early spring. Daylilies are among the first perennials to produce fresh, green growth after winter, making their new shoots an appealing food source when other plants have not yet emerged. This soft, high-moisture foliage is sought after by deer looking to replenish nutrients after the dormant winter season.
Practical Protection Strategies
Protecting daylilies often requires a multi-faceted approach, with physical barriers being the most effective long-term solution. A permanent fence that is at least eight feet high is necessary to prevent deer from jumping over it. Temporary solutions like wrapping a ring of wire mesh around individual plants can protect young shoots. However, this method becomes less practical once the flower stalks grow taller than the barrier.
Commercial Repellents
Commercial deer repellents offer a practical, non-permanent defense and are typically categorized as either taste-based or scent-based deterrents. Taste-based products often contain ingredients like putrescent egg solids or capsaicin (hot pepper), which are applied directly to the foliage to make it unpalatable. Scent-based repellents use strong odors such as garlic, mint, or essential oils to mask the plant’s appeal or mimic the presence of a predator. For these sprays to remain effective, they must be reapplied regularly, especially after rain or heavy irrigation, and rotation between different types prevents deer from becoming accustomed to a single repellent.
Companion Planting
Companion planting involves strategically placing highly fragrant, deer-resistant plants near daylilies to help mask their scent and deter browsing. Strong-smelling herbs like lavender or sage can create a “living wall” that makes the daylilies less noticeable to deer. This strategy leverages the deer’s sensitive sense of smell to encourage them to forage elsewhere in the garden.
Alternative Deer-Resistant Plants
For gardeners who decide the risk or effort of protecting daylilies is too significant, several flowering perennials offer a similar aesthetic appeal but possess natural deer-resistant properties. Plants avoided by deer typically have a strong aroma, a fuzzy texture, or contain toxic or bitter compounds.
Excellent alternatives include:
- Peonies, which boast large, lush blooms, are rarely damaged by deer due to their toxicity.
- Bearded iris and ornamental onions (Allium) are generally left alone because their foliage contains strong scents and flavors.
- Bleeding Heart is toxic and avoided by browsing animals.
- Astilbe has a texture and scent that is unappealing to browsing animals.
These options provide vibrant color and structure to the garden while significantly reducing the likelihood of wildlife damage.