Gerbera Daisies (Gerbera jamesonii) are a popular addition to gardens, known for their bright, long-lasting flowers. Understanding how these vibrant blooms interact with deer is important for successful planting and garden planning in areas where deer browsing is common.
The Level of Deer Resistance
Gerbera Daisies are generally classified as a plant that is seldom severely damaged by deer. This designation means that while they are not completely deer-proof, they are low on the animal’s list of preferred food sources. Deer have highly selective browsing habits, and they tend to avoid plants with certain unappealing characteristics.
Gerbera Daisies are often bypassed due to secondary compounds in their foliage that impart a bitter taste. This natural defense mechanism makes the leaves unpalatable compared to sweeter, softer vegetation. Furthermore, the leaves often have a slightly fuzzy or rough texture, which deer typically find less appealing than smooth, succulent leaves. This combination of bitter flavor and texture acts as a deterrent, leading deer to choose other options nearby.
Situations That Increase Browsing Risk
Although Gerbera Daisies possess natural resistance, this protection is not absolute and can be overcome by environmental pressures. The biggest factor that increases browsing risk is food scarcity, often caused by severe drought. When natural forage is limited, deer expand their diet and may reluctantly consume plants they would normally avoid.
A high density of deer also increases the likelihood of damage, as competition forces animals to be less selective. Newly planted Gerbera Daisies are particularly vulnerable, as young, tender growth is more palatable than mature foliage. Once a deer has sampled a plant and found it acceptable, they are more likely to return to that garden bed.
Strategies for Protecting Gerbera Daisies
If browsing becomes an issue, gardeners can employ a two-pronged approach using physical barriers and chemical deterrents. For new plantings or small beds, temporary mesh fencing or netting is an effective physical solution. A lightweight plastic deer fence, often 7 feet tall, provides a visual and physical obstacle that discourages deer from attempting to jump or push through.
Chemical repellents can be applied directly to the foliage to make the Gerbera Daisies taste or smell offensive. The most effective commercial repellents often contain putrescent whole egg solids, which emit a sulfurous odor deer find highly repugnant. These scent-based products need regular reapplication, usually every two to four weeks and immediately after heavy rainfall, to maintain efficacy.
An alternative is a simple homemade spray made from a mixture of eggs, water, and a few drops of dish soap, which helps the solution adhere to the leaves. Additionally, strategic companion planting using highly aromatic herbs like lavender or sage can introduce strong scents that mask the presence of the daisies. The combination of taste/scent repellents and physical obstacles offers the best defense against persistent deer browsing.