Viola plants, including popular pansy varieties, are widely cultivated for their vibrant colors and ability to bloom in cooler weather. Despite their popularity, violas are not deer resistant; they are considered a highly palatable food source. These flowering plants are often among the first to be browsed in gardens. Gardeners must assume that if deer are present, violas will be targeted unless protective measures are implemented.
Why Deer Are Attracted to Violas
Deer are herbivores that seek out tender, nutrient-dense vegetation. Violas fit this preference perfectly, possessing a soft, succulent texture and high water content that makes them easy to chew and digest. Violas are highly palatable because they are not toxic and lack the bitter taste or rough texture that deters deer from other species.
The nutritional profile of violas, rich in sugars and proteins, also makes them particularly attractive. This appeal is pronounced during early spring when deer are recovering from winter and seeking readily available food. New growth resulting from fertilization can be an additional draw. Environmental factors, such as a high local deer population or scarcity of natural browse, increase the likelihood of violas being eaten.
Practical Methods for Protecting Violas
Protecting violas requires a multi-faceted approach, combining physical exclusion with chemical deterrence. Physical barriers offer the most reliable protection by completely blocking access to the plants. For perimeter defense, a permanent fence should be at least eight feet tall, as deer are capable jumpers.
A double fence, five to six feet tall and angled outward at 45 degrees, can also be effective as it confuses the deer’s depth perception. For smaller garden beds, temporary structures like wire cages or deer netting can be fashioned into protective covers. These covers must be secured firmly to the ground to prevent deer from crawling underneath the barrier.
Chemical repellents work by creating an unpleasant taste or smell, discouraging deer from approaching or consuming the plant. These repellents come in two main types: area repellents (strong odor) and contact repellents (foul taste). Repellents must be applied diligently, starting early in the season before deer establish a feeding habit.
Reapplication is necessary after heavy rain or when significant new growth appears, as the fresh foliage will not be protected. It is important to rotate between different repellent products throughout the season to prevent the deer from becoming habituated to a single taste or smell. Motion-activated sprinklers or noise deterrents can also startle deer, but these often lose effectiveness quickly.
Truly Deer Resistant Substitutes
Gardeners who wish to avoid constant maintenance can choose alternative plants that deer reliably avoid. These substitutes share characteristics that make them unappealing to a deer’s palate or senses, such as strong odors, bitter flavors, or rough textures.
Plants with Strong Odor or Taste
Plants with a strong, pungent odor or taste are often left untouched. Lavender is avoided because its fragrance is displeasing. Catmint (Nepeta) is an excellent choice, emitting a minty fragrance that deer dislike while offering delicate spikes of lavender-blue flowers. Signet Marigolds also have a strong, noticeable scent that acts as a natural deterrent.
Plants with Unappealing Texture or Toxicity
Flowers with a bitter flavor or a rough texture are low on a deer’s preference list. Lamb’s Ear, with its velvety-soft, woolly leaves, is rarely eaten because deer avoid the fuzzy texture. For a similar cool-season bloom, Hellebores (Christmas or Lenten Rose) are reliably deer-resistant due to their mild toxicity and tough foliage.