Gazania, commonly known as the Treasure Flower, is a popular selection for gardeners due to its vibrant color and low-maintenance nature. This resilient plant is cherished for its bright, daisy-like blooms and its ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions. It is often used as an annual in cooler climates or a tender perennial elsewhere. However, gardeners living near natural habitats frequently worry about the palatability of new plantings to local wildlife.
The Direct Answer: Gazania’s Deer Resistance
Gazanias are highly resistant to browsing by deer and are rarely chosen as a primary food source. Deer typically prefer plants with smooth, tender foliage, but the Treasure Flower exhibits tough, leathery leaves.
The foliage features a distinct texture that discourages consumption. Gazania leaves are often dark green-silver and very hairy, particularly on their undersides. This dense, fuzzy coating creates an unpleasant mouthfeel that deters deer.
The plant also produces secondary metabolites that contribute to its unappetizing nature. Chemical investigations have identified compounds such as triterpenes and sesquiterpene lactones. These compounds are bitter, signaling to the animal that the plant is unpalatable or irritating. Deer quickly learn to associate this taste with the plant and move on to more desirable forage.
When Deer Ignore the Rules
No plant is entirely immune to browsing, especially under environmental pressures. Deer often ignore their usual preferences when faced with severe food scarcity, such as during drought or heavy snowfall. In these situations, the animal’s survival instinct overrides its aversion to the plant’s taste or texture.
High population density can also lead to increased browsing pressure on resistant plants. When deer numbers exceed the capacity of preferred food sources, competition forces them to sample plants they would normally avoid. Young Gazania plants are also more susceptible than mature ones, as tender growth has not yet fully developed the tough texture or concentrated high levels of bitter compounds.
Practical Strategies for Protecting Your Garden
Gardeners can employ several strategies to minimize the risk of damage to their Gazanias. One effective solution involves physical exclusion. Erecting a physical barrier, such as an eight-foot fence, is the only method proven to completely prevent access, as deer can clear lower obstructions. However, this method can be expensive and visually disruptive.
For less intrusive protection, chemical repellents create an offensive odor or taste. These products must be applied before browsing begins and require regular reapplication, especially after rainfall. Rotating between different types of repellents, such as those based on putrefied egg solids versus capsaicin, prevents deer from becoming accustomed to a single deterrent.
Strategic placement is another useful approach. Planting Gazania alongside or near highly desirable plants, like hostas or tulips, can act as a deterrent barrier. The unpalatability of the Treasure Flower may encourage deer to skip that section of the garden entirely.