Impatiens, particularly Impatiens walleriana, are a popular choice for gardeners seeking vibrant, continuous color in shady garden spaces. This common bedding plant, often called Busy Lizzie, is frequently questioned regarding its ability to withstand browsing pressure from increasing deer populations. Understanding the specific factors that make a plant unappealing to deer is necessary to determine the true resistance of Impatiens. This article explores the relationship between deer and Impatiens, offering practical strategies and alternatives for maintaining a colorful, intact garden.
The Problem of Palatability
The short answer to the question of resistance is that common Impatiens are unfortunately not deer resistant. Deer are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will browse on a wide variety of vegetation, especially when preferred food sources are scarce. The foliage and flowers of Impatiens walleriana are highly desirable to deer due to their soft, succulent texture and lack of strong chemical deterrents. Unlike many other plants that contain bitter secondary metabolites like alkaloids or strong scents, Impatiens foliage is tender and easy to digest. Their high water content and sweet flavor profile make them a quick and efficient food source for deer.
Different Impatiens and Deer Preference
The term “Impatiens” encompasses several plant types, which contributes to confusion regarding resistance levels. The standard bedding Impatiens (I. walleriana) are consistently rated as highly palatable and frequently severely damaged by deer. However, New Guinea Impatiens (I. hawkeri) and the interspecific hybrids like Sunpatiens exhibit a slightly different relationship with deer. New Guinea Impatiens are often considered moderately resistant compared to the common variety. This reduced preference is likely due to their thicker, tougher foliage and different growth habit, but they remain vulnerable in areas with high deer pressure.
Repellent and Protection Strategies
Gardeners who already have Impatiens or are determined to plant them must employ active protection strategies to minimize damage. Chemical or scent-based deterrents work by creating an unpleasant taste or odor. Commercial deer repellents often contain active ingredients like putrefied egg solids, capsaicin, or garlic. These must be reapplied frequently, usually every two to four weeks, and after heavy rain.
Physical barriers offer a more permanent solution against persistent deer browsing. Temporary netting or chicken wire can be draped over beds during periods of high deer activity, such as nighttime. Installing a low, angled fence, typically at least 30 inches high, around a planting area can also deter deer. Strategic planting of Impatiens near structures, such as a house foundation or a fenced patio, limits the open access deer prefer for grazing.
Suggested Deer-Resistant Substitutes
For gardeners seeking shade-tolerant, colorful alternatives that deer consistently avoid, choosing plants with natural defenses is the most effective approach. Deer typically avoid plants that have fuzzy or coarse textures, strong aromatic foliage, or mild toxicity.
Recommended Alternatives
- Bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis) is a classic shade perennial that is rarely eaten because its foliage contains alkaloids that are unpalatable to deer.
- Tuberous Begonias (Begonia x tuberhybrida) offer similar vibrant color in the shade and are considered deer-resistant due to their bitter taste.
- Dead nettle (Lamium maculatum) offers variegated foliage and small flowers.
- Astilbe provides feathery plumes.
While Hostas are a popular shade plant, many varieties are highly palatable to deer, making them an unreliable substitute for Impatiens.