The orange daylily, scientifically known as Hemerocallis fulva, is the common, tough perennial often seen naturalizing along roadsides, sometimes called the “ditch lily.” The idea of any plant being entirely “deer-proof” is misleading because deer are opportunistic browsers whose preferences change with their environment. The true answer is complex: daylilies are not a preferred food source, but they are absolutely not immune to browsing damage.
The Truth About Daylily Palatability
Daylilies are generally rated as “seldom severely damaged,” meaning they are low on a deer’s preference list compared to plants like hostas or tulips. The common orange daylily, Hemerocallis fulva, is often considered tougher than many of the newer, hybridized cultivars. This slight resistance is not due to strong chemical defenses, as daylilies lack the potent aromas or bitter alkaloids found in truly avoided plants.
The plant’s tender foliage and succulent flower buds are palatable when a deer is hungry. Deer are particularly drawn to the nutrient-rich flower buds just before they open, often consuming them and leaving the foliage untouched. While the plant may contain small amounts of glycosides, which are mildly toxic to some animals, these compounds do not generally deter deer from browsing. The wilder, orange variety is sometimes ignored more frequently because its foliage is slightly tougher than many modern hybrids.
Factors Influencing Grazing
Whether a deer chooses to consume your daylilies depends less on the plant’s taste and more on environmental and population factors. The most significant variable is the local deer population density; a high number of deer in a small area increases the pressure on all available food sources. Deer also become less selective during periods of food scarcity, such as prolonged drought in summer or the late winter and early spring when tender new growth is rare.
Daylilies are often browsed in early spring because they are one of the first perennials to emerge from the ground, providing fresh, green tissue. If a garden offers more appealing alternatives, such as roses, deer will typically ignore the daylilies in favor of these preferred foods. However, if the daylilies are the only readily available, soft foliage, they may become a temporary staple in the deer’s diet.
Practical Protection Strategies
If deer damage becomes a persistent problem, gardeners must employ physical or chemical deterrents. Temporary solutions include applying commercially available taste and scent-based repellents, which often contain ingredients like putrescent egg solids, garlic, or capsaicin. These repellents must be reapplied frequently, especially after rain, to maintain their effectiveness and keep the deer from becoming accustomed to the odor.
For a more lasting solution, a physical barrier is the most reliable method for preventing deer access. Fencing needs to be at least eight feet tall to be fully effective as a perimeter barrier. For smaller, targeted areas, you can use specialized netting or wire cages placed around individual clumps of daylilies. These enclosures only need to be about three feet tall if the deer cannot reach over the barrier to graze on the tender flower scapes.
Alternative Deer-Resistant Flowers
For gardeners facing extreme browsing pressure, planting deer-resistant alternatives that offer a similar visual impact is necessary. For the bright, fiery orange color of the daylily, consider planting Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as Butterfly Weed. This native perennial features flat-topped clusters of orange flowers and is avoided by deer due to its milky sap and slightly toxic properties.
To replace the daylily’s long, strap-like foliage, the Bearded Iris (Iris germanica) is an excellent choice. Irises possess tough, sword-like leaves and are highly deer-resistant because the foliage and rhizomes are toxic. For a tall spike of color, the Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia) offers a striking, tubular flower structure in shades of red, orange, and yellow that deer rarely touch.