Angelonia, often called summer snapdragon, is a vibrant annual plant cherished by gardeners for its continuous display of blooms from late spring until the first frost. Its flowers come in a wide array of colors, making it a versatile choice for garden beds, borders, and containers. Gardeners in areas with deer populations often wonder if this popular plant will fall victim to browsing.
Angelonia’s Deer Resistance
Angelonia is generally considered deer-resistant, a significant advantage for gardeners facing wildlife challenges. This resistance is primarily due to its scented foliage, which deer typically find unappealing. The leaves have a faintly apple or grape-like aroma. Additionally, deer dislike the plant’s slightly coarse or fuzzy texture.
While Angelonia is less appealing to deer than many other plants, “deer-resistant” does not mean “deer-proof.” No plant is entirely immune to deer damage, especially under certain conditions. The strong scent and texture make Angelonia a low-preference food source, leading deer to usually bypass it for more palatable options.
Factors Influencing Deer Foraging
Despite Angelonia’s general resistance, deer might still browse it under specific circumstances. Extreme hunger due to food scarcity, such as during severe droughts or harsh winters, can compel deer to eat plants they would normally avoid. In such conditions, deer become less selective.
Young or newly planted Angelonia may also be more vulnerable, as tender new growth can be more attractive to deer. Deer behavior and dietary preferences can vary by region and among individual deer populations. A plant untouched in one garden might be nibbled in another, depending on local food availability.
Protecting Your Angelonia
Gardeners experiencing deer damage to their Angelonia can implement several protective measures. Physical barriers, such as fencing, offer the most effective deterrent. Fences need to be tall enough (at least 8 feet) to prevent deer from jumping over. Even a shorter fence combined with a psychological barrier, like a single strand of wire or clothesline placed a few feet inside, can deter deer.
Deer repellents can also be effective, working by taste or smell to make plants undesirable. These can be commercial sprays or granular products, or homemade solutions containing strong scents like garlic, hot pepper, or essential oils. Regular reapplication is necessary, especially after rain, and rotating different types of repellents can prevent deer from becoming accustomed to one smell. Interplanting Angelonia with other strongly scented, deer-resistant plants like lavender, rosemary, or alliums can further enhance protection.