Zinnias are popular annual flowers known for their vibrant colors and ability to bloom profusely throughout the summer. For gardeners dealing with local deer populations, the question of whether these blooms will survive remains a constant concern. Understanding how deer interact with zinnias is important for maintaining a successful flower display against wildlife browsing pressure. This guide addresses the plant’s resistance level and provides practical steps to protect a flowering garden.
Are Zinnias Truly Deer Resistant?
Zinnias are classified by horticultural experts as plants that deer seldom severely damage or are moderately resistant to browsing. While they are not completely deer-proof, they are generally not a preferred food source. Deer usually avoid them because of specific physical and chemical properties.
The primary deterrent is the texture of the leaves, which are rough and hairy, making them less palatable to deer. Deer prefer plants with smooth, tender foliage and dislike consuming anything with a bristly texture. Additionally, the foliage of some zinnia varieties may contain bitter compounds or have a noticeable scent that is unappealing to the deer’s sensitive palate. This combination of physical texture and taste makes the plant a low-priority target.
Factors Influencing Deer Feeding Habits
The resistance of zinnias, or any plant, is not absolute and often fails due to environmental and population factors. When natural food sources become scarce, such as during periods of drought or deep snow, or in areas of high deer population density, animals will broaden their diet. Under these stressed conditions, deer will readily consume plants they would normally ignore, including zinnias.
The maturity and specific variety of the plant also influence its palatability. Young, tender zinnia sprouts and new growth can be more appealing than the fully matured, rougher leaves and stems. Some modern hybrid zinnias may have been bred for flower size and color, potentially reducing the bitterness or hairiness that provides the natural defense found in older varieties. Deer can also develop localized preferences, meaning a plant avoided in one town might be regularly eaten in another.
Strategies for Protecting Flowering Gardens
For gardeners who experience consistent deer pressure, relying solely on a plant’s natural resistance is not always enough. Installing a physical barrier is the most effective method for complete protection, particularly in areas with high deer density. A fence intended to exclude deer should be at least eight feet high, as a white-tailed deer can easily clear lower obstacles. If a tall fence is not feasible, a double-layer fence with two parallel, lower barriers placed a few feet apart can confuse the deer and deter them.
Repellents offer another layer of defense, working through either taste or odor to discourage feeding. Taste-based repellents are applied directly to the plant and rely on ingredients like putrescent egg solids to make the foliage unpleasant to eat. Odor-based repellents, such as those containing predator urine or strong essential oils, are applied near the plants to create a scent barrier. To maintain effectiveness, repellents must be reapplied regularly, especially after rain, and gardeners should rotate product types to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single deterrent.
Another proactive technique is companion planting, which uses aromatic or toxic species strategically placed near susceptible flowers like zinnias. Plants with strong scents that deer find offensive, such as lavender, sage, or mint, can be planted along the perimeter of a flower bed to mask the scent of the zinnias. Toxic plants, including foxglove, which contains bitter-tasting alkaloids, are naturally avoided by deer and create a protective ring. This method leverages the deer’s natural aversion to certain smells and tastes, making the entire area less desirable.