The Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium or L. tigrinum) is a striking perennial known for its vibrant, spotted orange blooms. Gardeners often wonder if this desirable plant can withstand browsing by native deer populations. This article examines the natural defenses of the Tiger Lily and the environmental factors that influence its survival in deer-populated areas.
Resistance Level of Tiger Lilies
Tiger Lilies are generally categorized by horticultural experts as plants that are “occasionally damaged” or “rarely damaged” by deer. This means they are not entirely deer-proof, but they are significantly less appealing than many other common garden flowers. Tiger Lilies possess unpalatable substances that deter continuous heavy browsing, as deer tend to avoid plants with strong tastes or chemical compounds.
The resistance stems from mildly toxic compounds present throughout the foliage, giving the plant a bitter taste that deer generally dislike. While the entire lily genus is not universally resistant, the Tiger Lily is often singled out as one of the least likely to be targeted. Despite this natural defense, deer may still browse on the most tender parts, especially new spring shoots, developing flower buds, and mature blooms.
Browsing damage is often limited to a few exploratory bites rather than the entire plant being consumed, which allows the Tiger Lily a higher chance of recovery. If a deer samples the foliage and finds the taste unpleasant, it usually moves on to a more desirable food source. However, even a small amount of damage to the main stalk or flower buds can compromise the aesthetic value of the plant for the season.
Why Deer Resistance Varies
The concept of “deer resistance” is never absolute and depends heavily on external factors that override a plant’s natural defenses. The most significant variable is the local deer population density, often referred to as browsing pressure. Where the deer population is high, competition for food increases, making deer less selective about what they eat.
Seasonal food scarcity also plays a substantial role, particularly during periods of drought or late winter when natural forage is limited. Under these stressful conditions, a hungry deer will graze on plants it would normally ignore, including those with unpalatable compounds. Additionally, younger deer are often less discerning and more likely to sample unfamiliar plants.
The vulnerability of a Tiger Lily also depends on its establishment in the garden. Newly planted or fertilized specimens, which are often lush and succulent, appear more attractive to browsing animals. An established, mature clump of lilies with tougher foliage may fare better than tender new plantings, regardless of their mild toxicity.
Mitigation Strategies for High-Pressure Areas
In locations where deer pressure is consistently high, relying solely on the Tiger Lily’s natural defenses is risky, making protective measures necessary. Physical barriers offer the most reliable method of exclusion, ranging from temporary caging to permanent perimeter fencing. For full-property protection, a barrier fence should measure at least seven to eight feet in height, since deer can clear lower obstacles when motivated.
If full fencing is not feasible, temporary wire caging or netting can be placed around individual plants or small groupings during the vulnerable spring and early summer. Physical barriers prevent access entirely, eliminating damage to tender new growth and emerging flower stalks. This method requires vigilance and maintenance to ensure there are no gaps for deer to exploit.
Chemical deterrents provide another line of defense, divided into two main categories: contact and area repellents. For maximum effectiveness, repellents must be reapplied frequently, especially after heavy rain, and gardeners should rotate products to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single scent or taste.
- Contact repellents are applied directly to the foliage and create an offensive taste, often using active ingredients like Thiram or capsaicin.
- Area repellents, such as those formulated with putrescent egg solids, rely on a strong odor that signals the presence of a predator, promoting a fear response in the deer.
Highly Resistant Flowering Alternatives
Gardeners who determine the risk to Tiger Lilies is too high can select from a wide array of flowering plants categorized as rarely damaged by deer. These alternatives possess strong natural defenses, such as pungent aromas, bitter tastes, or rough textures, that make them inherently unattractive. Plants from the onion family, like ornamental Alliums, are highly resistant because they contain sulfur compounds that emit a strong, lingering scent.
Other excellent choices include the Peony, which is known for its tough, bitter foliage, and the Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis), which contains compounds that are mildly toxic and unpalatable. Many varieties of Salvia, or ornamental sage, are avoided because of their fuzzy, heavily textured leaves and strong, aromatic oils. Planting these less-favored species can provide a beautiful display of color while significantly reducing the likelihood of browsing damage.