Gladiolus, often called sword lilies due to their striking, upright foliage, are popular garden additions known for their tall, colorful flower spikes. These plants grow from a corm, a type of underground storage stem, and belong to the Iridaceae family. Gardeners often ask if gladiolus are resistant to pests like deer and rabbits. While certain plant characteristics offer some protection, true resistance is not guaranteed when hungry wildlife is involved.
How Deer View Gladiolus
Gladiolus is generally considered a low-preference food source for deer, meaning they usually pass it up for more palatable plants nearby. The primary defense mechanism is the rough, grass-like texture of the leaves, which deer find unappetizing to chew. Furthermore, the corm contains toxic compounds, contributing to the plant’s low ranking on a deer’s natural menu.
The greatest vulnerability lies in the flower spike and buds, which are high in moisture and nutrients. If the deer population is high, or if preferred food sources are scarce due to drought or a harsh winter, a low-preference plant becomes a viable meal. In these circumstances, deer readily strip the flower head, often severing the entire stalk. Therefore, while deer may not choose gladiolus first, the plant is not immune to browsing damage.
How Rabbits View Gladiolus
Rabbits pose a different, often more persistent, threat to gladiolus than deer. They are less deterred by the mature foliage, especially when the leaves are young and tender in the spring. Rabbits typically target the emerging shoots and the lower, more accessible leaves. This means the plant is most vulnerable early in the growing season.
Although the entire gladiolus plant, particularly the corm, is toxic to rabbits, this does not always prevent them from taking a sample bite. A rabbit’s initial nibbling of the leaves may not cause immediate illness, but it is enough to damage the plant significantly. Consequently, the resistance level of gladiolus to rabbit damage is often lower than its resistance to deer, as rabbits are more likely to test the foliage.
Strategies for Protecting Gladiolus
Since gladiolus is not reliably resistant to either pest, physical barriers offer the most dependable protection against persistent damage. To deter rabbits, install a low fence of chicken wire or mesh, standing at least two to three feet tall. Bury the bottom edge approximately six inches into the soil or secure it to the ground to prevent rabbits from digging underneath.
Protecting against deer requires a much taller barrier, as an adult deer can easily clear a six-foot fence. For effective physical exclusion, a garden fence should be a minimum of seven to eight feet high. A less visible psychological deterrent involves stringing two parallel fences or wires, which makes the landing zone seem less safe and discourages the animal from attempting the jump.
Chemical deterrents can supplement physical barriers by appealing to the animals’ sense of smell or taste. Repellents often contain ingredients like putrescent egg solids, which act as a taste deterrent, or strong-smelling oils such as garlic, cinnamon, or clove. Rotating between scent-based and taste-based products can prevent animals from becoming accustomed to a single repellent.
Strategic planting also helps, using companion plants with strong, unpleasant aromas to mask the gladiolus scent. Strongly scented herbs like lavender, catmint, and rosemary are often avoided by both deer and rabbits. Planting these aromatic species as a border around the gladiolus creates a natural defense zone that encourages animals to browse elsewhere.